Shoplifter's bubble is burst as he is jailed for stealing cola... while stood next to a police officer

Simon Hawe has been jailed for 14 weeks after being caught by officers stealing four cans of fizzy drink from a petrol station in Ashton

A shoplifter has been jailed after he was caught red-handed by an eagle-eyed police officer.

Simon Hawe (aged 39), of no fixed abode, has been jailed for 14 weeks after being caught stealing four cans of fizzy drink from a petrol station in Ashton.

Hawe entered the shop on Manchester Road in view of other customers and staff, crouched down next to an end aisle, placed four cans of Cola in his coat pocket and attempted to make his way to the exit.

Unfortunately for Hawe, however, he committed the offence in the presence of officers from GMP Tameside's Intelligence Development Unit, who were in the shop at the time picking up some refreshments.

The officers, having witnessed the theft, detained Hawe and conveyed him to Ashton Police station, where he was later charged and remanded to appear at Tameside Magistrates Court on Wednesday (August 4).

Once at court, Hawe entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to 14 weeks in prison.

A post on the GMP Tameside North and East Facebook page read: "This particular service station has recently had spate of similar thefts and the staff were very pleased and appreciative that the officers had taken such swift, positive action.

"Added to the strong message from Tameside Magistrates, this will hopefully act as a deterrence for those wanting to commit these kind of offences in the future."

Anyone with information or has any concerns about shoplifting or where those responsible are selling on the goods can report it online at: https://crowd.in/hVwexZ

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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