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A prolific shoplifter, thief, and burglar from Norwich has been jailed for 16 months.
David Smith, aged 44, of Jewson Road, admitted to 15 charges and asked for 17 more to be taken into consideration when he appeared at Norwich Crown Court on Monday 8 April 2024.
Smith stole items including meat, vapes, alcohol and laundry products, targeting multiple Co-op stores, Asda, Lidl and Tesco among others.
He was investigated by staff from the Norwich District Crime Unit based at Earlham Police Station and charged with nine theft from shops, three burglary other than dwellings, two of driving off from petrol stations without paying (bilking), and one theft of a motor vehicle.
His offences included stealing a Vauxhall Astra while the owner left the engine running as he got ready for work, and taking two charity collection tins.
He also broke into commercial premises, often smashing a lower window or door to gain entry.
The offences all took place between 31 January and 5 March this year.
While in custody Smith engaged with Operation Converter and admitted to 17 other offences which were taken into consideration at sentencing.
They comprised seven commercial burglaries, two bilkings, one criminal damage, and seven theft from shops. They all took place between 3 September 2023 and 4 March 2024.
In most cases he was caught on CCTV and recognised by store security or police officers.
A hat found at the scene of a commercial burglary proved a DNA match leading to his being identified as a suspect.
Duncan Etchells, staff supervisor for Op Converter, said: “Smith is a prolific offender sometimes committing multiple acts of dishonesty in the same day. "The scale and nature of his offending affects everyone including business owners, staff, and customers who are left counting the cost.
“Jailing him will protect stores for some time and hopefully lead him to reflect on his offending and to tackle the drug use which is at the root of his behaviour.”
Smith was also ordered to pay costs of £187.