Darlington shoplifter steals hot chicken from Greggs counter

Simon Robinson tried to steal the chicken from the hot food counter in Greggs, on Skinnergate, Darlington, when he was caught by officers on Saturday (September 30).

The 39-year-old was also identified by officers as being responsible for stealing bacon and 12 packets of butter from Springfield News, on Thompson Street East.

He was charged with three counts of theft from a shop and remanded in custody to appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court yesterday (October 2) where he was jailed for 12 weeks.

Robinson, of Brougham Street, Darlington, was also ordered to pay compensation to the two shops.

Inspector Matt Plumb, from Darlington Neighbourhood Police Team, said: “Robinson is a prolific offender in Darlington and has already been convicted of 65 previous offences, which shows his total disregard for the law and society in general.

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“Retail crime can have a devastating impact on both local businesses and their customers, who must shoulder the increased prices due to lost stock.

“Here in Darlington, we are actively hunting down these prolific and habitual offenders whose behaviour causes misery and takes profit from our local communities and retailers.”

To report a crime in your area, call 101 or use the Live Chat facility on the Durham Police website, durham.police.uk/Report-It/101-Live-Chat/101-Live-Chat.aspx.