Man jailed for multiple thefts in Harold Hill

Michael Devlin appeared at Barkingside Magistrates Court last Friday

A man who carried out multiple thefts in Harold Hill has been jailed.

Michael Devlin, 43, of Hilldene Avenue, was arrested on Thursday, 25 January following a police investigation into shoplifting on Farnham Road.

After speaking to shop workers and residents, officers became aware that shoplifting was becoming a concern for the community.

Police who were building up an intelligence picture to target key offenders came across Devlin.

At Barkingside Magistrates Court on Friday, 26 January, the 43-year-old was found guilty of multiple accounts of theft shoplifting.

He was handed 24 weeks imprisonment, reduced to 16 weeks by the Magistrate.

Inspector Charlie Routley said: “This result shows our commitment to reducing crime in Farnham Road and is just one example of how we are working locally to deliver long-lasting results for those who live and work in the area.

“We continue to work closely with our partners in the London Borough of Havering to target the minority of people who come to Farnham Road solely for the purpose of committing criminal offences. Your actions will not be tolerated.

“We are working with residents and encouraging them to work with us and provide information that will help us tackle crime, making their areas safer.”