Shoplifter arrested by off-duty Chief Constable is sentenced for theft

A shoplifter arrested by the Chief Constable as she shopped whilst off-duty has been sentenced.

Michael Smith, 39, of Dinas Dinlle, Caernarfon, appeared before Llandudno Magistrates Court on Wednesday, January 8^th, charged with theft.

Chief Constable of North Wales Police Amanda Blakeman was leaving M&S in Llandudno at around 2.20pm on Friday, November 15th when she witnessed a man being detained by security.

She was informed the man had stolen almost £270 worth of clothing from the shop, which was later recovered.

She arrested Smith on suspicion of theft before officers arrived and transported him to custody where he was charged with the offence.

He admitted the charge and was handed a £200 fine yesterday.

CC Blakeman, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for volume crime, said: “Retail crime has a significant impact on victims. It damages businesses, communities and impacts staff and customers who are present, which is why we are committed to doing all we can to reduce thefts and pursue offenders like Smith.

“Over the last year, we have made significant strides in our fight against retail crime, strengthening relationships with retailers, greatly improving information sharing and concentrating patrols in hotspot areas, which has had a positive impact.

“We continue to work hard on this progress, whilst also taking proactive steps to disrupt or negate repeat offending because of drug or alcohol addictions.”