Security camera footage from a Tesco supermarket in Britain allegedly caught Ashley Daley stealing a shelf-load of Cadbury Mini Eggs. Photo / South Wales Police
Security camera footage from a Tesco supermarket in Britain allegedly caught Ashley Daley stealing a shelf-load of Cadbury Mini Eggs. Photo / South Wales Police
A prolific thief was allegedly spotted brazenly stealing an entire display shelf of Cadbury Mini Eggs during a three-week crime spree across Britain.
Police said Ashley Daley was caught on surveillance footage at a Tesco supermarket lifting a whole stand of the Easter treats, the Mirror reported.
The 39-year-old wasarrested on February 21 when police stopped him shortly after one of the alleged thefts and found a kitchen knife on his person.
A spokesperson for South Wales Police said Daley had targeted multiple stores around South Wales and Gwent.
“Daley did not take any efforts to hide his identity, boldly walking into stores and filling up bags with meat, Easter eggs and alcohol, which amounted to a high loss for the businesses,” the police spokesperson said.
The Cardiff man is accused of stealing £4000 ($9100) worth of goods from stores in Cardiff, Taff’s Well, Merthyr Tydfil, Chepstow and Caldicot.
“In one case, he attended a store, stealing an entire display of Mini Eggs, making no effort to mask his wrongdoing, with all of these incidents being captured on CCTV.”
Ashley Daley has been arrested after he was allegedly caught on CCTV footage stealing an entire shelf of Cadbury Mini Eggs. Photo / South Wales Police
According to Birmingham Live, the investigating officer Detective Constable Warriner said Daley’s alleged actions had caused significant financial and emotional losses.
“Daley is a prolific offender who was brazen in his actions across the country, showing a clear disregard for the law and believing himself above it,” Warriner said.
“Shoplifting is not a victimless crime, and offenders like Daley have a big financial impact on businesses and an emotional impact on those who work there.”
Thirteen of the alleged offences occurred in the West Midlands, and Daley was charged with a further 12 offences of theft, one of attempted theft and one for possession of a bladed article in Wales.
“Daley would have continued targeting businesses across the UK and I am glad to see that he has now been prevented from doing so,” Warriner said.
A woman who may be an accomplice of Daley’s was also captured on store cameras, but police are yet to confirm whether inquiries are being made into her involvement in the crimes.
