A Prolific Surrey Shoplifter Jailed After Admitting Multiple Thefts

Published on: 8 Jun, 2019
Updated on: 12 Jun, 2019

Ben Price

Habitual thief Ben Price, 38, of Park Barn Drive, Guildford, who pleaded guilty last month at Guildford Crown Court last Friday (May 31) has been jailed for 21 months.

Price was spotted on CCTV at various shops across the county stealing alcohol from supermarkets and watches from a sports shop.

He admitted the offences and also asked for other offences to be taken into consideration, admitting that he looked to sell the stolen items.

Inspector Dallas McDermott, borough commander for Elmbridge, said: “Price is among Surrey’s most prolific shoplifters and I am delighted that he is behind bars for his crimes.

“His sentence sends a message that we will not welcome thieves in Surrey and will seek to arrest those responsible, charge them and put them before the courts.

“I understand that this spate of incidents would have been distressing to the businesses and staff members concerned and I hope they will feel justice has been served.”

Price’s sentence is related to thefts at:

January 2019 at Waitrose, Godalming
February 2019 at Waitrose, Godalming
March 2019 at Sainsbury’s, Cobham
March 2019 at Waitrose, Farnham
April 2019 at Sainsbury’s, Guildford
April 2019 at Decathlon, Guildford
April 2019 at Waitrose, Farnham
April 2019 at Waitrose, Hersham
April 2019 at Horsley Towers Services, Leatherhead
April 2019 at Waitrose, Dorking
April 2019 at Sainsbury’s, Guildford
April 2019 at Homebase, Reigate

Police have suggested tell-tale clues to spot a shop-lifter:

Seem to want to keep your attention and talk for the sake of it, possibly because an accomplice is elsewhere stealing
Look like they’re taking little notice of your products
Seem a little nervous and possibly pick up random items with little interest
Keep refusing your offer of help or assistance
Frequently enter your store and never make a purchase
Want you to unlock and open cabinets but don’t buy anything