A Radford man has been charged following a month-long theft and burglary spree in Nottingham. Raymond Ward is alleged to be responsible for 15 shop thefts and two burglaries as well as using threatening words with intent to cause fear of violence.
The 31-year-old allegedly took high-value jackets, bottles of alcohol and Warhammer figurines, among other items, during the shoplifting bout. Nottinghamshire police says 11 separate stores across Nottingham were targeted between December 3 and January 9 – with some hit multiple times.
The first incident saw a thief walk into a shop in Nottingham city centre, grab items of clothing valued at more than £1,000, and then leave without paying. Laundry products, a sleeping bag and packets of underwear were all taken in the thefts that followed over the next few weeks, while a staff member was threatened with violence during one incident.
A gazebo was also reportedly stolen when a house in The Park was burgled on December 18, while cash was taken from the tills when a city centre store was broken into on December 21 as well.
Officers investigating the thefts and break-ins have identified 31-year-old Ward, of St Peters Street, Nottingham, as their suspect. He appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, January 11. He has been released on bail with strict conditions ahead of his next appearance at Nottingham Crown Court on February 7.
Detective Constable Kirsty Allison of Nottinghamshire Police said: “We know, having listened to our communities, about the significant impact shoplifting can have on local businesses and residents. Put simply, it’s unfair on those who follow the rules and spend their hard-earned money in the shops, when others decide to do the opposite and steal.
“This a very serious offence, as it is when anyone takes it upon themselves to break into another person’s property. We will always treat these types of crimes with the seriousness they deserve and will continue to do whatever we can to identify suspects and put them before the courts.”