Two named and charged after almost 30 shoplifting incidents in Coventry

A man and woman have been charged with almost 30 separate shoplifting offenses in Coventry. Officers detained the two on Monday (May 27) and Tuesday (May 28).

Police yesterday arrested a 44-year-old woman over a series of shoplifting incidents that took place between last year and May. Karen George has now been charged with 11 counts of theft, one attempted theft and a public order offence, West Midlands Police said.

George, of Westminster Road, was remanded in custody to appear at Coventry Magistrates’ Court today (May 29). The police also detained a 28-year-old man on Monday (May 27).

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Michael Mewis, of St Nicholas Street, was arrested in connection with a series of unrelated theft offences, West Midlands Police said. He has since been charged with 16 counts of shoplifting between March and May 2024.

A West Midlands Police spokesman said: “We fully understand the impact and frustration shoplifting can have on businesses of all sizes. As part of our more local policing model, our investigation, neighborhood and response teams are now working more closely together to prevent and tackle crime affecting our communities.

“Using the knowledge of local officers and working with store security, we are able to more quickly identify suspects and any emerging trends or hotspots. We regularly carry out high visibility patrols in retail areas, along with other activities, to track and catch criminals.”

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