WOLVERHAMPTON, UK — Stephen Maher, 37, a prolific shoplifter, has been sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison after carrying out a brazen theft spree targeting two shops on Willenhall Road.
Despite being under both a restraining order and a criminal behaviour order (CBO) explicitly banning him from entering the stores, Maher returned repeatedly, stealing approximately £850 worth of goods, including cheese, meat, chocolate, and sweets. He also threatened store staff during the thefts, escalating the severity of his crimes.
Maher, who is of no fixed address, carried out nine thefts in less than three weeks, between January 21 and February 9. He was arrested the following day in Fallings Park, Wolverhampton.
At Wolverhampton Crown Court on April 25, Maher pleaded guilty to:
Nine counts of shop theft
Breaching a criminal behaviour order
Violating a restraining order
The court handed him a three-and-a-half-year custodial sentence, reflecting both the repeated nature of his offences and his disregard for existing legal restrictions.
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said:
“We take crime against businesses seriously and work with local retailers and security to protect staff and customers. If you witness suspicious activity, please report it.”
Suspicious activity can be reported by calling 101.
