Two prolific shoplifters caught by city centre police

Gerard Ward (left) and Mohammad Alali have admitted shoplifting

Police investigating a string of shop thefts in Nottingham city centre have put two offenders before the courts.

Gerard Ward, aged 23, and 19-year-old Mohammad Alali both admitted to a string of shoplifting offences after being arrested in recent days.

The two shoplifters were recognised from CCTV images by neighbourhood officers. Ward was arrested after being spotted in Spaniel Row, while Alali was detained after officers went to his flat.

Ward, of Broxtowe Lane, Broxtowe Estate, pleaded guilty to five shops when he appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 2 November.

The offences included stealing 20 Blu-rays from FOPP, in Bridlesmith Gate, across two shoplifting incidents on 29 October and a third offence two days later.

He also admitted stealing washing and cleaning products, groceries and meat from Sainsbury’s stores in Mansfield Road and Clumber Street on 12 October and 23 October respectively.

Ward was jailed for 26 weeks, suspended for 12 months – meaning he risks going to prison if he reoffends over the next year.

He must also pay £417.50 in compensation to the stores he stole from.

Alali, of Alfred Street North, St Ann’s, also appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 2 November.

He admitted six shop thefts and is due to be sentenced at the same court on 13 December.

Magistrates heard he stole at least seven high-value jackets from five stores between 2 October and 26 October, including from Zara, Size, TK Maxx, Footasylum and JD Sports.

Sergeant Jono Pothecary, of the City Centre neighbourhood policing team, said:

“Both these males are prolific offenders who are responsible for a large number of the crime reports we receive from local businesses.

“We know the impact that shoplifting has on our local stores and the wider public with regards to price increases consequently. We are determined to ensure those who commit these offences are caught. 

“As part of our long-term problem-solving approach to these offences, we are currently progressing several Criminal Behaviour Orders through the courts to ban prolific offenders from the city centre.

“Alongside this action, we will continue to do all we can to identify offenders and bring them before the courts.”