A prolific shoplifter who repeatedly targeted a Morrisons Daily store in Bretton, Peterborough, has been jailed, highlighting the severe impact of retail crime on businesses, staff, customers, and the wider community.
Hussain, visited the Morrisons Daily on 19 August and stole goods totalling £370. When confronted by two staff members, he became verbally abusive and assaulted one by hitting them on the shoulder before fleeing the store.
Hussain, who is of no fixed address, was arrested on 31 August in Lutton Grove, Westwood. Officers charged him with a public order offence, assault by beating, and ten counts of theft from a shop after it emerged he had stolen £100 worth of air fresheners from Poundland in Bretton Centre. Between 9 and 30 August, Hussain also returned to Morrisons Daily on eight further occasions, stealing items worth a total of £1,676.
On Monday, 2 September, Hussain appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court, where he admitted to all offences and was sentenced to eight months in prison. He was ordered to pay £225 in compensation to Morrisons Daily and £25 to Poundland. Additionally, he was issued with an interim Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), banning him from the Bretton Centre.
The impact of retail crime is not limited to financial losses. Incidents like these cause distress to retail staff, who are often subjected to verbal abuse and even physical assaults. Such crimes disrupt businesses, increase security costs, and can create an environment of fear and unease for both staff and customers.
PC Daniel Young, who led the investigation, condemned the assaults, stating, "Assaults and abuse towards retail staff are completely unacceptable. No one should have to experience this, especially in the workplace."
He added, "The interim CBO will hopefully give the affected businesses some respite. It also allows us to take stronger action against Hussain, as we can immediately arrest him and bring him before the courts if he breaches the order."
Hussain’s repeated offences have caused ongoing issues for the businesses involved, and this case serves as a reminder of the broader implications of retail crime on the community as a whole. Retail crime affects not only the stores themselves but also the staff, customers, and general public, leaving lasting consequences on local communities.
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