A shoplifter who plagued businesses in Cambridge was caught after trying to leave a Cambridge shop wearing three stolen jackets.

Scott Reynolds, 36, walked out the shop in Bridge Street without paying on 3 May and was later arrested.

It came at the end of a stealing spree in which he targeted six different businesses in Cambridge, some more than once, and even threatened staff when challenged.

In April he entered a Co-op, in Milton Road, and filled a basket with items before leaving without paying. 

Then, on 2 May, he entered Tesco, in Cheddars Lane, and attempted to steal more than £200 worth of alcohol. Staff found him de-tagging bottles of spirits and he lunged at them with clenched fists when challenged.  

Reynolds, of not fixed abode, pleaded guilty to 15 counts including theft from a shop, attempted theft from a shop, breach of a criminal behaviour order, abusive behaviour and common assault. He was sentenced to one year in prison at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on Thursday June 8.

Detective Sergeant James Rabbett, who investigated, said: “Reynolds is a prolific offender who unleashed misery on the Cambridge retail industry.

“People often think of shoplifting as a victimless crime, but it can have a huge impact on both businesses and their employees and it often comes hand-in-hand with other crimes.

“I hope the sentence will provide reassurance to businesses and members of the public, and serve as a warning for other offenders who think shops are easy targets.”