Shoplifters arrested in Nuneaton over violent assault on store staff

Within a span of a few hours on Monday (27), three shoplifters were arrested in Nuneaton, two of whom were alleged to have assaulted a shopworker who confronted them.

Warwickshire Police stated that first arrest was made at at a supermarket on Newtown Road after a 48-year-old man allegedly tried to walk out with over £100 worth of spirits concealed in his jacket.

Security staff challenged him after reportedly seeing the offender drinking in the aisles, before calling the police. The man has been charged with theft from a shop, and will appear in Warwickshire Magistrates Court on Dec 12.

A couple of hours later, another man was arrested in Abbey Street following a report that he had stolen from a shop in Market Place earlier in the day, before allegedly pushing a member of staff as he attempted to get away.

The arrest was made by new dedicated town centre officer PC Shorthouse and has resulted in Laws being charged with theft from a shop. The man, identified as Jonathon Laws, will appear in Warwickshire Magistrates Court on 12 December, Warwickshire police reported.

A few hours later, a 17-year-old boy was arrested at a shop in Queen’s Road following a report he had stolen clothing and then punched a security guard in the face.

Chief Inspector Steve Davies said, “As Christmas approaches, it feels like a good time to remind people that we will not tolerate shoplifting and violence towards shopworkers. Shopworkers have the same rights as anyone to be treated with respect and carry out their job without fear of violence.”

Earlier, a prolific thief was arrested by police on Saturday (25), after he was spotted stealing two bottles of gin from a shop in the Parade. He will spend Christmas behind bars after a shoplifting spree in a Midland town.

The 33-year-old was quickly picked up by CCTV operators in the town who tracked him to Bath Street. Officers were despatched and the man was promptly arrested.

Warwickshire Police stated that the staff at the shop provided evidence that Lewis had stolen from the store three times the previous day. Officers were happy that the overwhelming evidence against him and his previous history of shoplifting was enough to charge and remand him.