Prolific Gateshead shoplifter who worked over two month period jailed
A prolific shoplifter who carried out a five‑and‑a‑half‑week crime spree across Gateshead has been jailed.
Callum Little targeted stores between New Year and mid‑February, stealing sweets, meat, dairy products and other goods from shops in the Wrekenton, Low Fell and Beacon Lough areas.
Following enquiries by Gateshead East Neighbourhood Policing Team, he was arrested on Friday, February 13 and later charged with 18 counts of shoplifting.
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The 27-year-old of no fixed abode appeared before Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on Saturday (February 14), where he pleaded guilty to all offences and was sentenced to 36 weeks in prison.
Sergeant Andrew Hyde of Gateshead East Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “This is a fantastic result for our team.
“I’d also like to express my thanks to the businesses and members of the public who provided information about the reports so that we could progress our investigation.
“Shoplifting isn’t a victimless crime — it causes real financial pressure for local businesses and creates distress for the staff who have to deal with repeated incidents.
“Little is a prolific shoplifter and showed a clear pattern of offending over several weeks, and we are pleased that the courts have recognised the impact this had on our communities.”