A Cambridge shoplifter who stole more than £2,000 worth of power tools has been sentenced after being caught on CCTV.
Stephen Myres, 29, broke into Mackays of Cambridge on East Road on 1 March last year, making off with Makita and Dewalt drills. He also stole hand tools from Travis Perkins in Huntingdon and power tools from Jewson in Kent.
Appearing at Milton Keynes Magistrates’ Court on 11 March, Myres was handed a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. He must also adhere to a four-month curfew, staying at his home in Nash, Milton Keynes, between 9pm and 7am.
As part of his sentence, Myres will undergo a nine-month drug rehabilitation programme and a 12-month alcohol treatment requirement. He has also been ordered to pay compensation of £2,144 to Mackays, £62.92 to Travis Perkins, and £700 to Jewson.
PC Sarah Pride from the Cambridge neighbourhood team confirmed that Myres was part of a gang targeting stores for power tools. She said:
Thanks to CCTV, he has been identified and put before the courts. We hope this outcome provides some reassurance to those shops affected.
This case highlights the importance of security measures like CCTV in tackling repeat offenders and protecting businesses from theft.
