Three Jailed Following Police Crackdown in St Austell

Three people have been jailed this month following a police crackdown on prolific offenders in St Austell.

The neighbourhood policing team has been carrying out investigations targeting repeat shoplifters and those causing trouble in the community. As a result, a number of arrests have been made and prison sentences handed out at Bodmin Magistrates’ Court.

18 Weeks for Breaching Criminal Behaviour Order

Anya Curtis, aged 34 and from Penarwyn Road, was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison after being charged with three counts of theft from Tesco, TK Maxx and FarmFoods. She was also found to be in breach of a criminal behaviour order.

Over £460 Stolen in Multiple Thefts

Nathan Flower, aged 32 and from Coinagehall Street, was sentenced on 16th June after pleading guilty to four counts of theft. He admitted stealing over £460 worth of goods from shops including Boots and Co-Op.

E-Bike Worth £2.7k Stolen

Matthew Bradfield, aged 50 and of no fixed abode, received an 18-week sentence after stealing an e-bike worth £2,700 and damaging a property window, causing £237 worth of damage. He was charged on 17th June.

Police Statement

Inspector Simon Andrews, who leads the neighbourhood team in St Austell, said:

“Shoplifting is something that can have a hugely devastating impact on businesses, as well as their employees. This has been a real positive outcome for our team and for the wider community, especially for those traders who have been impacted by these prolific offenders.

“I hope this sends a message to local people and to those looking to offend – we are out there, investigating reports of business crime and taking robust action to put offenders before the courts. This work will not stop; if you’re committing crime, you will be identified and arrested.”

He also encouraged residents to keep reporting information:

“Your reports are vital in helping us to achieve results like this. We need you to tell us what’s happening and when. Without your information, it makes it harder for us to build a strong case with quality evidence.

“So please, continue reporting what you see and we’ll do the rest. Thank you.”

Report Crime

To report a crime or share information, use the Devon & Cornwall Police online reporting tool or call 101. If a crime is in progress, call 999.

You can also report anonymously through Crimestoppers or by calling 0800 555 111.