A Swindon man has been jailed for six weeks after he was convicted of shoplifting in the town centre.

Mark Thirkettle, of Swindon Road in Stratton St Margaret, appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with theft from M&S on Saturday, July 22.

The 50-year-old has also been asked to pay compensation.

Several other people have also been charged with shoplifting from businesses in the town centre.

Darren Moore of Yeovil Place in Park North appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court on Tuesday, August 1, charged with seven counts of theft from Wilko between Saturday, July 8 and Thursday, July 27.

The 30-year-old was sentenced to 21 weeks of imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, six months of drug rehabilitation and 20 days of rehabilitation activity.

He was also asked to pay £283 compensation to the store.

Marie Marsh of Axbridge Close in Park North has been charged with four counts of theft after reports of shoplifting from Poundland, Boots, M&S and Primark on Tuesday, August 1. 

The 43-year-old has been released on bail with conditions not to enter the town centre.

She is due to appear at Swindon Magistrates Court on Wednesday, August 16.

Frederick Moulton of Havelock Street has been charged with two counts of theft following reports of shoplifting from M&S and Superdrug in Swindon town centre on Tuesday, August 1.

The 56-year-old has been released on bail with conditions not to enter Swindon town centre. He is due to appear at Swindon Magistrates Court on Wednesday, August 16.

Christopher Desantos of Lilac Court in Pinehurst has been charged with five offences of theft from Wilko between June and July.

The 34-year-old has been released on bail with conditions not to enter Wilko.
He is due to appear at Swindon Magistrates Court on Wednesday, August 16.

PC Paul Bezzant of Swindon Neighbourhood Central South said: “We hope this action will show business owners that we take crime very seriously.

“We will be robust with those who carry out thefts and we will target repeat offenders.

“The Town Centre has a small, dedicated team of Police Officers and Community Support Officers who are regularly out on foot patrol.

“One of the current Swindon Policing priorities relates directly to crime within the town centre and there is a structured plan in place to target offences of theft and associated anti-social behaviour.

“We have recently been joined by the Safer Street Wardens, which is an extremely positive step.

“Together we will undertake joint patrols and share intelligence to target those who cause ASB within the Town Centre and beyond.”