Persistent thief put behind bars

A thief who stole from a supermarket and was seen creeping around a neighbourhood in the early hours has been jailed.

A member of the public spotted a man peering into vehicles and walking onto driveways in Derby Road, Lenton, Nottingham, on Thursday (3 October).

Police attended the scene at 5.15am and quickly caught up with Mark Hayward.

During searches officers found a screwdriver in his coat pocket.

Hayward had previously entered a supermarket in Mansfield Road, Nottingham, on 24 September 2024 where he helped himself to washing detergent and left without paying.

The 48-year-old, of Denman Street, Nottingham, was jailed for 12 weeks when he appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Friday (4 October).

He had pleaded guilty to going equipped for theft and shop theft.

Police Constable Imran Ahmed, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“The officers who attended worked quickly and efficiently to catch up with Hayward.

“We’d also like to thank the member of the public who called in after spotting him behaving suspiciously.

“We strongly believe he was in the area to steal so this prompt police response has prevented someone falling victim to crime.

“I’m also pleased magistrates have handed him a custodial sentence as Hayward is a persistent offender with an unenviable criminal record.”