A MAN has been charged with shoplifting and two other offences in Reading following a Thames Valley Police investigation.
Jack Macklin, aged 32 and of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to two counts of shoplifting and one count each of going equipped for theft and possession of a bladed article in a public place in a hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, November 7.
He was ordered to complete a community order of drug rehabilitation at the same hearing.
It follows a number of incidents between Wednesday, October 11, and Monday, November 6, during which Macklin targeted the Co-operative store on London Road, and Vision Express in Broad Street.
Police say he was ‘equipped’ for theft during the incidents, including possessing a bladed article in a public place, namely Richfield Avenue.
He was charged on Monday, November 6.
Investigating officer PC Vince Moore, one of the neighbourhood officers for Reading Town Centre, said: “The people of Reading will have noticed a significant amount of work we are undertaking to tackle shoplifting in the town.
“We know the profound impact these offences have on staff, customers and the wider economy and I hope that Macklin’s conviction demonstrates that we will pursue shoplifters and put them before the courts.
“We will work tirelessly to tackle this unacceptable offending and my message to the community is if you have any information about shoplifting, please report this to us, either on 101 or by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111. Help us combat retail crime and make stores and high streets across the Thames Valley safer.”
