A suspected shoplifter linked to eight offences at a store in Rubery was caught red-handed by officers this week when he tried to steal jars of coffee. 

Officers from Rubery Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) caught a suspected shoplifter in the Co-op store on Wednesday afternoon (January 24). 

Police Constables Matthew Dunton and Max Unitt were at the shop reviewing CCTV footage of recent shoplifting offences with the manager when a man walked in and attempted to make off with jars of coffee.

They gave chase and arrested a man, aged 52, who is suspected of being linked to eight recent offences at the store, seven of which occurred in January.

He has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Police Sergeant Katie Ward, from the Rubery Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “We have been working with the Co-op manager to establish who has been responsible for recent shoplifting offences at the store.

“During a visit by PCs Matthew Dunton and Max Unitt, a man walked in and attempted to make off without paying for jars of coffee. Following good work by them, a man was detained and arrested.

“This is a positive result for officers, and the store manager and staff are pleased with our engagement and the action we have taken.

“Shoplifting has a major impact on livelihoods in the communities we serve. It can affect retail prices, and insurance premiums and damages local communities through fear of crime.

“I am also arranging for a Rural and Business Crime Officer to visit the store and provide further advice to assist in loss prevention.”