'Serial meat thief' from Worksop jailed

A ‘serial meat thief’ from Worksop has been jailed for nearly two years after stealing hundreds of pounds worth of meat among other goods.
By Steven Jones
Published 19th Feb 2020, 14:48 BST
Updated 19th Feb 2020, 15:51 BST
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Andrew Merritt, 30, from Cheapside, Worksop was given a 22-month sentence at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday, 14 February after pleading guilty to no fewer than 16 shop thefts across Nottinghamshire. The offences took place between November 2019 and January.

The court heard how he stole two legs of lamb, beef joints and steak from a number of butchers during the three-month crime spree.

As well as meat, Merritt stole cans of lager, four bottles of spirits, a hover board from Halfords, two pairs of wellington boots valued at £270, 12 jars of coffee from Farmfoods, a television from Tesco, a teeth whitening kit from Superdrug, three power charges from Sainsbury’s, and clothing in a number of burglary offences.

Andrew Merritt was described by police as a 'serial meat thief'.Andrew Merritt was described by police as a 'serial meat thief'.
Andrew Merritt was described by police as a 'serial meat thief'.
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He was repeatedly caught on CCTV and was eventually arrested on 23 January.

Police Constable Rachel Andrews, who led the investigation, said the defendant was a drug addict who was stealing to clear his drug debts.

She said: "Merritt has a bad drug addiction and was stealing items from shops across Worksop to pay off the debt.

"We are pleased with today's result and pleased that we can give the victim's some reassurance that Merritt is behind bars.

Police Constable Andrews added: "I’m pleased to see the courts recognised the impact this type of crime has on communities and reflected that in their sentence."