Stockport shoplifter who stole thousands given time behind bars for repeat offending

Committed officers from our Stockport district secured evidence as Thomas Knight (12/06/1991) of Conway Towers, Brinnington was sentenced to 12 months in prison on Saturday 26 October 2024 at Manchester City Magistrates Court.

This was in relation to 31 different shoplifting offences which were uncovered after officers initially arrested Knight for 11 shop thefts on Berrycroft Lane in Bredbury that took place between late-June 2024 and mid-September 2024.

After pleading guilty to the offences, he failed to appear at court for sentencing back in September and October 2024 where he continued his offending at the same location, as well as Compstall Road in Romiley for another 31 times.

He was detained shortly after during a dedicated operation in Bredbury and remanded this time by the court where he pleaded guilty again and was sent to prison for his brazen behaviour. He was also ordered to pay £100 compensation.

The items stolen by Knight were mainly alcohol which across his persistent offending came to a total of nearly £1,500.

Shoplifting and retail crime is an issue that we are committed to tackling and various resources and plans have been put in place as officers continue to produce good work across the force.

This year, achievements have included a significant increase in arrests and solved, positive outcomes, as well as continuing engagement with business communities to share best practice and learning.

PC Adam Burgess from our Stockport Neighbourhood team said; “Throughout the summer Knight had a blatant disregard to anyone and especially the businesses and shop workers he consistently targeted.

“Once we became aware of his offending, we made sure we collated the evidence needed to send a strong message to others that shoplifting is a serious crime that will not be tolerated.

“We would encourage members of the community to continue to report incidents to us and as part of our plans our patrols are in place to provide that reassurance and visible deterrent to people who are intent on committing crime.”