Shoplifter caught with pliers and wirecutters after stealing from New Look and Sportsworld

Mar 6 2009 by Laurie Stocks-Moore, Chester Chronicle

A SHOPLIFTER was caught with a pair of pliers and two wire cutters on a thieving spree.

Tony Michael Webb, 30, of Panton Road, Hoole attempted to steal £25 trainers from Sportsworld on Frodsham Street then stole childrens shoes worth £5 from New Look, Foregate Street on March 1.

A security guard witnessed Webb pick up a pair of white trainers and pull the security tag in Sportsworld.

He then saw the shoes missing from their box so confronted Webb who returned the shoes and left.

Sarah Gray, prosecuting, said: “Moments later an officer on patrol in Abbey Square saw the defendant who tried to make off.” The defendant had canvas shoes from New Look in his carrier bag.

Another bag contained the pliers and wirecutters.

When questioned by police he fully admitted using them to steal.

Howard Jones, defending, said Webb steals to fund the purchase of alcohol.

Webb was sentenced to a 12-month supervision order with a requirement that he attends an alcohol programme. He was ordered to complete 60 hours’ unpaid work.