A 35-year-old man from Wrexham has been sentenced to 12 weeks in prison and banned from entering any retail premises in the city following a string of shoplifting offences. Patrick McGrath, of Bryn Hafod, Southsea, appeared before Mold Magistrates Court on Thursday, 31 October, where he was convicted of theft.
Despite a previous ban, McGrath entered Farmfoods in Wrexham on Monday, 28 October, and attempted to steal £29 worth of goods by placing them in a rucksack before leaving the store without paying. He was apprehended in Wrexham on Wednesday, 30 October, after breaching the terms of his suspended licence from earlier shoplifting convictions.
His sentencing follows the recent extension of a **Community Behaviour Order (CBO)**, which prohibits McGrath from entering any retail outlets in Wrexham until February 2027.
Commenting on the case, **PC Danielle Fleming** stated: “Tackling retail crime is a priority in Wrexham, and we will continue to support that by robustly dealing with shoplifters. The impact of these offences on businesses cannot be underestimated, and it is not a victimless crime."
The case highlights ongoing efforts by Wrexham police to reduce retail crime in the area, especially in the lead-up to the busy Christmas season. In conjunction with the new **Operation Blizzard** initiative, local officers are working with businesses and partner organisations to address repeat offenders and enhance safety across the city.
Operation Blizzard, which launched this week, will see daily efforts to crack down on habitual shoplifters. “It aims to tackle habitual and repeat perpetrators, ensuring we protect staff, customers, and businesses,” PC Fleming added. “We will continue to identify offenders and bring them before the courts, making Wrexham a safer place to live, work, and visit.”
The case serves as a reminder of the impact of shoplifting on local businesses and the community, as well as law enforcement’s commitment to combating retail crime and supporting affected retailers.
Comments