Thief’s spree ends with jail after string of shopliftings in Rushden
Christopher Nast caught stealing to feed addiction
Christopher George Nast, a homeless repeat offender, has finally been handed jail time after a spree of thefts in Rushden and Higham Ferrers. The 12-month suspended sentence he received in November was activated after he pleaded guilty to three more shoplifting offences over the festive period.
Targeting Tesco and Co-op for booze and snacks
Between December 20 and 30 last year, Nast struck several shops to pay for his drug habit. CCTV spotted him filling a bag at Tesco Express, Rushden, before staff caught him shoplifting. At the Co-op in Higham Ferrers, he stole £30 worth of meat. Just days later, Nast returned to Tesco to nick chocolate bars but was caught again.
Jail time finally enforced
- Initial six offences plus 10 more considered – suspended 12-month sentence issued
- Additional three offences at end of December activated the suspended sentence
- Three separate two-week sentences to run consecutively
- Total time behind bars: 12 months and two weeks
Inspector Miriam Kiernan blasted Nast as a “persistent acquisitive crime offender” who has caused “untold stress and misery” to local businesses. She hopes he’ll use his time in prison to get help for his addiction and give merchants a break.
“Drug harm is a matter of priority for the Force. We’ll keep working with businesses to bring offenders like Nast to justice and make our county a safer place to live and work,” said Inspector Kiernan.
Spot crime? Speak up now
If you suspect any illegal activity, report it to Northamptonshire Police on 101, visit northants.police.uk/ro, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
