Thief who stole from Wrexham city centre shops jailed

A 32-year-old man who damaged and attempted to steal from five city centre businesses in Wrexham has been jailed.

Shaun Roberts, of no fixed abode, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Saturday April 12^th where he admitted to burglary with intent to steal, two counts of attempt burglary with intent to steal and two counts of theft.

On March 29^th, Roberts smashed the front doors of two shops on Bank Street, causing significant damage, and successfully gaining entry to one of them.

Just two days later on March 31^st, Roberts entered a shop on Yorke Street and stole three jackets worth £867. Staff chased Roberts as he left the store and recovered the jackets.

During the early hours of April 4^th, Roberts once again smashed the front doors of two businesses on Church Street and Bridge Street, taking cash from one of them.

Officers utilised CCTV systems across the city centre and identified Roberts at each location causing the damage throughout the week.

He was jailed for 12 months and was also ordered to pay £1000 in compensation.

Acting District Inspector Tom Dewberry said: “Protecting staff, businesses and their customers from this type of criminality is a priority in Wrexham city. 

“We continue to deal robustly with offenders such as Roberts to protect those working in the retail sector and reduce retail crime.

“I hope the city centre businesses feel reassured that Roberts can’t cause any more damage to their businesses in which they work so hard to provide a service to the community.”