Shoplifter Sentenced for Stealing £2,000+ Worth of Goods From Town Stores
A Barrow man who stole more than £2,000 worth of power tools, clothes, toys and electrical items from shops across the town has been given a 12-month community order.
Philip Morris, 37, of Blake Street, Barrow, was sentenced at South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court after previously admitting 10 counts of theft from a shop.
The offences took place between February 23 and July 10 and involved stores including B&Q, B&M, Clinton Cards, Sports Direct, Currys and TK Maxx.
The court heard Morris committed the thefts because he was struggling to make ends meet using the benefits he received.
More Than £2,000 Stolen Over Several Months
Prosecutor Peter Kelly told magistrates that Morris began the series of offences at B&Q on February 23.
He stole an Erbauer multi-tool with a 4Ah power battery and an Erbauer jigsaw with another 4Ah power battery.
Morris returned to the same store on May 16 and left without paying for a Dremel drill.
The total value of the power tools taken from B&Q was £338.60.
Lego and Action Figure Taken From Town-Centre Shops
On March 23, Morris stole five boxes of Lego from B&M.
The toys were worth a combined £268.95.
Two days later, he stole an action figure worth £60 from Clinton Cards.
The court heard that the thefts continued over the following months and involved goods from several large retailers across Barrow.
£500 Worth of Clothing Stolen
The highest-value single theft happened at Sports Direct on June 12.
Morris was caught taking clothing worth £500 from the store.
Five days later, on June 17, he stole headphones worth £139.99 from Currys.
Further items worth £411.85 were taken from TK Maxx, while goods valued at £326.42 were stolen from B&M Bargains between June 28 and July 10.
The total value of everything stolen during the 10 offences was £2,045.81.
Defence Said Most Items Had Been Returned
Defence solicitor Andy Gallagher told the court that Morris had handed over most of the stolen goods.
He said the defendant had relatively few previous convictions and felt significant guilt over his actions.
Mr Gallagher told magistrates: “He committed these offences because he struggled to make ends meet with his benefits he receives.”
The court did not hear that Morris had stolen essential food or household items. The goods taken included power tools, toys, clothing and headphones.
Community Order and Compensation
Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order.
Morris must complete:
- 120 hours of unpaid work
- 10 rehabilitation activity days
He was also ordered to pay £1,076.87 in compensation.
The compensation amount was lower than the full value of the stolen goods because the court heard that most of the items had been handed back.
The rehabilitation days are intended to address issues linked to Morris’s offending and reduce the risk of further crimes.
Shop theft can be reported to Cumbria Police online or by calling 101. Anyone who sees a crime taking place or believes someone is in immediate danger should call 999.
