A prolific thief threatened shop staff with a needle before stealing alcohol and cigarettes

A serial shoplifter from Solihull has been jailed after repeatedly stealing from the same shop and threatening staff. Justin Brook pleaded guilty to several felonies, including making threats with an article, earlier this week.

Justin, 38, targeted the Co-op store in Shirley for 10 months, stealing alcohol, cigarettes and chocolate items and threatening staff on a number of occasions. Twice he filled a bag full of chocolates, threatening staff with a knife if they approached him, and in another incident he threatened them with a needle before stealing alcohol and cigarettes.

He was charged with six counts of theft, assault, possession of a bladed article, burglary and four counts of threatening with a bladed article. He was arrested on June 17 after trying to break into a hairdressing salon in Moseley.

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On Tuesday, July 16, Justin was sentenced to 34 months in prison at Birmingham Crown Court. He was also given a Serious Violence Prevention Order which will last for two years for years when he is released from prison.

Sergeant Jordan Keen from Solihull Police said: “Brook was a notorious shoplifter who repeatedly targeted this shop and threatened staff with violence. We worked with several Solihull Police teams to arrest and charge him.

“I hope this sentence provides some justice to those targeted by Brook and sends a message to those who commit this crime that we will not tolerate it and will take action.

“We understand the cost to businesses and the distress that shoplifting causes and where crimes are reported we will investigate and work to identify those responsible. We are also working with staff to improve security and deter shoplifting through crime prevention and safeguarding advice.”

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