Man appears in court charged with 25 shop thefts

A man has appeared in court following multiple shop thefts across Norfolk.

Jacob Hearle, aged 44 and of Smith Close, Blofield appeared at Norwich Magistrates’ Court on Monday 4 November where he pleaded guilty to 25 theft from shops, possession of an offensive weapon, possession of a class A drug (cocaine) and money laundering.

The charges relate to 25 shop thefts that occurred at Co-op stores between 19 September 2024 and 1 November 2024 across Norwich, Costessey, Long Stratton, Acle and Brundall, where items including meat, coffee, confectionery and alcohol were stolen.

Hearle was arrested on Sunday 3 November and taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

During a search of his property officers seized a knife, cocaine and suspected stolen items.

He was later charged for the above offences.

He appeared in court on Monday 4 November where he was remanded into custody ahead of his next court appearance at Norwich Magistrates’ Court on 21 November 2024.