Suspected shoplifter charged after string of stores targeted in Mansfield

Five different stores were targeted in the space of two weeks during the shoplifting series.

Thousands of pounds worth of skin care products were swiped from the shelves during separate visits to Boots, St Peter’s Retail Park.

The store was targeted twice in a week on July 3 and 8, with a suspect walking out with a bag full of items without paying on both occasions.

Hair products and cleaning products were among the items stolen from B&M, on Stockwell Gate, during three visits to that store on July 6, 8 and 10.

Home Bargains, St Peter’s Retail Park, and Sainsbury, Mansfield Leisure Park, saw headphones and alcohol pinched from their shelves by shoplifters on June 26, and July 2, respectively, while Heron Foods, West Gate, had items stolen during a separate incident on July 7.

Hayden Wright, of Lindley Street, Mansfield, has since been charged with eight counts of theft in connection with the incidents.

The 28-year-old appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court where his case was adjourned to Nottingham Crown Court on August 2. Wright was remanded in custody.

Sergeant Alice Bartle, of Mansfield’s neighbourhood policing team, said: “Shop thefts can be really damaging, not just to retailers, but to people throughout the wider community.

“The actions of shoplifters can directly impact on people’s livelihoods in a negative way and cause real misery for residents.”