Newark Thief Nabs Garden Gnomes, Meat, Booze in Brazen Spree
Andrew Woolley struck four different shops across Newark in a cheeky theft spree lasting just weeks.
Gnome Theft Kicks Off Crime Spree
It all started at Asda on Lombard Street around 10.45pm on 28 June 2023. Woolley swiped a set of garden gnomes straight off the shelf and legged it without paying.
Double Co-op Heist Hits Meat and Cleaning Supplies
Next up, Woolley hit two Co-op stores on 5 and 6 July, pinching meat products from both. At the Barnby Gate shop, he also helped himself to cleaning products.
Morrisons Booze Grab Caps Off Theft Spree
On 17 July at about 9.15pm, Woolley made off with bottles of alcohol from Morrisons on Kings Road, slipping them into a bag before strolling out unpaid.
His robbery spree came to light after police caught him for an unrelated matter. They questioned Woolley, 35, from North Gate, Newark, who admitted four counts of theft at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 20 July.
He was released on bail and will face sentencing on 15 August 2023.
PC Lexi Fielding, Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Shoplifting can be hugely damaging to businesses and to customers too, as they are ultimately the ones left to pay higher prices as a result. These thefts directly impact on people’s livelihoods and can cause real misery for residents.
“That’s why we take these reports so seriously and work closely with partners and local businesses to prevent shoplifting and help offenders change their ways. We are pleased to see that Woolley has now owned up to his actions.”
