Norwich man responsible for month-long crime wave jailed

During a month-long spree Jack Stevens, 36, stole bags and purses from cars, took thousands of pounds worth of items during break-ins and even raided a shop to carry off the till and takings.  

In broad daylight thefts captured on CCTV, he also stole the tip jar at the Norwich cafe No33 in the Park in Chapelfield Gardens and carried off £600 worth of goods from the Nike store at Riverside.  

READ MORE: Theives steal tip jar from No33 in the Park in Norwich

Jailing him for 32 weeks after he pleaded guilty to 16 offences, district judge David Wilson said he had to be sent to prison in order to protect the public. 

Norwich Magistrates' Court heard he had just been released from prison after a three year sentence for the possession of an imitation firearm before launching his one man crime wave. 

Prosecutor Colette Harper said his offences had included smashing three car windows on August 22, stealing items including a handbag, purse and earbuds. He later fraudulently used stolen bank cards.

During burglaries he also stole an electric bike on September 6 and, a day later, power tools worth more than £2,000.  

Stevens stole the till from Silver Stores on Silver Road and goods worth £600 from Nike Store on Riverside during his crime spree (Image: Google)

Ms Harper said other offences had included stealing the till from Silver Stores on Silver Road, and thefts of items including alcohol from branches of One Stop Shop and Co-Op.

READ MORE: CCTV issued after theft from St Benedicts Street in Norwich

The court was told Stevens, of no fixed abode, has 86 previous offences.

Lucy Brakewell, mitigating, said his offending had been “acquisitive crimes to fuel his drug habit”.

“He desperately wants to sort himself out,” she added.

District judge Wilson said: “These offences are so serious only a custodial sentence can be justified. Your conduct presents a risk to the public.”