Serial Shoplifter Nabbed Red-Handed in Swansea
Nicky Barratt, 26, from Swansea, is heading to jail this Christmas after a spree of shopliftings landed him a five-month prison sentence. The repeat offender admitted stealing from Tesco Express and Co-op stores across the city.
£861 Worth of Stolen Goods Found
Barratt’s crime spree ran from November 17 to December 11, netting him a haul worth £861.40. Police uncovered:
- Over 65 blocks of cheese
- Bottles and boxes of wine
- Cans of pre-mixed rum and whiskey
- Chocolate, biscuits, barbecue ribs, and soft drinks
His final grab was caught during a police raid at Tesco Express on December 11, where he was snapped with £330 worth of chocolates in hand.
Winter of Action: Police Crack Down on Thieves
Swansea city centre cops caught Barratt in the act and linked him to earlier thefts. Thanks to his guilty plea, he received a reduced sentence but must serve 40% behind bars before being released on licence.
“During our Winter of Action, we are targeting those who prey on community businesses,” said PS Jon Shaddick of Swansea Neighbourhood Policing Team. “I’m pleased Barratt will spend Christmas in jail to reflect on his choices.”
Shoplifting Soars in South Wales – Trouble for Local Retailers
South Wales Police recorded a whopping 12,719 shoplifting crimes in 2023 – the seventh highest figure in the UK. That’s 9.5 thefts per 1,000 people, 33% above the UK average and 44% higher than the Welsh average.
- Swansea’s Castle ward saw 988 shoplifting incidents, making it a hotspot.
- Cardiff’s Cathays area accounted for 11% of all shoplifting crimes in South Wales.
Authorities are cracking down hard on repeat offenders like Barratt to shield local businesses during the busy festive season.
