Police 10 people arrested in blitz on shoplifting

POLICE say there were 10 arrests for shoplifting and drug offences in the span of five days in North Somerset.

- Alex DRISCOLL

The arrests, which happened in the towns of Portishead, Weston-super-Mare, Cleeve and Nailsea, were part of an operation which targeted shoplifting and drug supply.

Between Saturday, October 11, and Wednesday, October 15, 10 arrests were made across multiple incidents attended by Avon and Somerset Police.

Three prolific shoplifters were arrested and charged in Portishead for thefts from multiple stores in the area on October 11.

All three were remanded into custody, appeared at North Somerset Magistrates’ Court the following day.

Jay Bovey, 33, of Portishead, was charged with seven counts of shop theft and received an eight-week prison sentence suspended for nine months.

Sam Bovey, 37, of Portishead, was charged with five counts of shop theft and received a conditional discharge at court. Jay Bovey and Sam Bovey received Community Protection Notices in custody.

Matthew Beaton, 31, of no fixed abode, was charged with four counts of shop theft and was bailed for sentencing on November 18.

Two shoplifters were arrested at Tout’s convenience store, Cleeve, on October 14.