A man has been sentenced to prison for a series of thefts at supermarkets in **Rowley Regis**, following a crime spree that occurred shortly after Christmas. **Marcus Henry**, 34, was jailed for a total of **36 weeks** after he was found guilty of stealing goods valued at hundreds of pounds from two separate supermarkets between **December 26, 2022**, and **January 6, 2023**.
Henry’s criminal activities came to light when he breached a **Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO)** issued in May 2022, which explicitly prohibited him from entering one of the supermarkets he targeted. This breach was a significant factor in the court’s decision to impose a custodial sentence.
Details of the Crime and Arrest
The West Midlands Police were able to gather substantial evidence against Henry, obtaining clear images of him committing the thefts due to high-quality **CCTV footage** from the stores. Following the investigation, officers arrested him at his residence on **Spiral Close** in **Halesowen**. He faced six counts of theft and the breach of the CBO during a hearing at **Wolverhampton Magistrates’ Court**.
Following his sentencing, **Sergeant Jason Walters** of West Midlands Police expressed the department’s commitment to tackling such criminal behaviour. “We understand the significant impact this crime has on local businesses, staff, and the wider community and recognise the harm it causes, not only financially but also in terms of safety and confidence,” he stated.
He further emphasized the importance of community vigilance, urging the public to report any suspicious activities. Residents can contact the police via the non-emergency number **101** or call **999** in emergencies. The police also offer a live chat facility on their official website, **www.west-midlands.police.uk**.
Community Response and Impact
The thefts have raised concerns among local business owners and residents, highlighting the ongoing challenges of retail crime in the area. The police’s proactive approach aims to reassure the community that such actions will not be tolerated.
Sergeant Walters reiterated their commitment to prosecuting offenders and utilizing the powers available to them regarding civil and criminal orders. “This behaviour will not be tolerated, and we will continue to prosecute offenders,” he said.
As the community reflects on the impacts of Henry’s actions, local businesses are reminded of the importance of security measures, including surveillance systems and reporting mechanisms, to safeguard their operations.
