A prolific thief has been jailed after admitting to nearly 30 shop thefts across Sandwell and Dudley.
Gareth Hall, 44, of Newhall Road, Rowley Regis, targeted four shops in Rowley Regis and Halesowen, stealing more than £1,300 worth of items.
Hall repeatedly entered the stores, took goods and walked out past the tills, even when challenged by staff.
CCTV evidence linked him to 29 offences. Police later circulated a social media appeal after other enquiries failed, and a tip-off from a member of the public led to his arrest.
He appeared at Walsall Magistrates’ Court and was sentenced to 19 months in prison.
PC Phillip Kingsley, from Sandwell South Retail Crime Team, said:
“Hall had a complete disregard for businesses and their employees and his jail sentence reflects this. He has caused frustration and misery to business owners and staff so I hope the community will be pleased to see him behind bars.”
West Midlands Police say they are stepping up efforts against shop theft, with arrests rising by more than 60% in the last two years. Sandwell South has its own retail crime team targeting repeat offenders and hotspot areas.