A brazen shoplifter has been jailed after a shoplifting spree that included stealing an entire display of Mini Eggs from a Tesco supermarket. Ashley Daley, 39, carried out a series of thefts over a three-week period across south Wales and Gwent, targeting stores in Cardiff, Taff's Well, Merthyr Tydfil, Chepstow, and Caldicot, causing £4,000 in losses.
Planned Thefts Caught on Camera
A South Wales Police spokesperson said Daley repeatedly stole from supermarkets in a planned manner, attending various locations. One incident involved stealing an entire display of Mini Eggs from a Tesco. Daley made no effort to hide his identity, and many crimes were captured on CCTV.
Arrest and Charges
Police stopped Daley in a vehicle on February 21, shortly after a theft. A kitchen knife was found in his possession. He was charged with 12 theft offences, one attempted theft, and possession of a bladed article by South Wales Police, along with 13 other offences relating to the West Midlands.
In his police interview, Daley appeared irritated, answering “no comment” to questions. He was jailed for four months.
Police Statement
Detective Constable Warriner said: “Daley is a prolific offender who was brazen in his actions across the country, showing a clear disregard for the law. Shoplifting is not a victimless crime; it has a big financial impact on businesses and an emotional impact on employees. Daley would have continued targeting businesses across the UK, and I am glad he has now been prevented from doing so.”
