A man has been jailed after a shoplifting spree that included stealing an entire display of Mini Eggs from a Tesco supermarket. Ashley Daley, 39, targeted stores across south Wales and Gwent, causing £4,000 in losses over three weeks.
Daley struck shops in Cardiff, Taff's Well, Merthyr Tydfil, Chepstow and Caldicot. He repeatedly visited supermarkets 'in a planned manner', according to South Wales Police, and made no attempt to conceal his identity, with many thefts captured on CCTV.
In one incident, Daley stole a whole display of Mini Eggs. Officers stopped him in a vehicle on 21 February shortly after a theft, and a kitchen knife was found on him. During interview, he answered 'no comment' to questions.
Daley pleaded guilty to 12 thefts, one attempted theft, and possession of a bladed article. He was sentenced to four months in prison. CCTV also showed a female accomplice, but police have not confirmed any investigation into her.
Detective Constable Warriner said: 'Daley is a prolific offender who was brazen in his actions across the country, showing a clear disregard for the law. Shoplifting is not a victimless crime, and offenders like Daley have a big financial impact on businesses.'
