A PROLIFIC shoplifter who repeatedly stole from the same Solihull shop and threatened staff has been jailed for 34 months.
Justin Brook pleaded guilty earlier this week to a number of offences, including making threats with a blade.
The 38-year-old targeted the Co-op store on Haslucks lane, Shirley over a 10-month period and threatened staff multiple times. He stole items such as chocolate, alcohol and cigarettes.
On two occasions, he went into the store and stuffed a bag full of chocolate, threatening staff with a knife if they approached him. And on another occasion he threatened staff with a needle, before stealing alcohol and cigarettes.
Brook was arrested on the June 17 after attempting to break into a hairdresser’s in Moseley.
He was charged with six thefts, possession of a blade, assault, burglary and four counts of making threats with a blade.
At Birmingham Crown Court, he was sentenced to 34 months in prison.
He was also handed a Serious Violence Prevention Order that will run for two years when he is released from prison.
Sgt Jordan Keen from Solihull Police said: “Brook was a notorious shoplifter who repeatedly targeted this store and threatened staff with violence.
“We worked with multiple policing teams in Solihull to arrest and charge him.
“I hope this sentence offers some justice to those that Brook targeted and sends a message to those who commit this crime that we do not tolerate it and we will take action.
“We understand the cost to business and distress that shoplifting causes and where offences are reported we will investigate and work to identify those responsible.
“We also work with staff to improve security and discourage shoplifting through crime prevention and safeguarding advice.”
