Man jailed for 12 shop thefts in Norwich

Man jailed for 12 shop thefts in Norwich

A prolific theft offender who stole more than £700 worth of goods from shops he was banned from in Norwich has been jailed.

Robert Smith, 48, of no fixed address, appeared at Norwich Magistrates' Court on Wednesday 14 October after pleading guilty to 12 counts of shop theft and 12 counts of breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

Smith stole items including fish, confectionery, cleaning and laundry products from shops on Dereham Road, Woodgrove Parade and Heyford Road.

The offences took place between 31 August and 9 October 2026 and were all captured on CCTV. Smith was identified by store staff and police officers.

In December 2025, Smith was issued with a Criminal Behaviour Order banning him from a number of shops, including Co-op and Tesco stores. The thefts were committed in breach of that order.

Smith was arrested on Dereham Road on 13 October 2026 and taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre, where he was later charged with the offences.

At Norwich Magistrates' Court, Smith was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £154.