Man jailed for shoplifting in Bristol

A man has been jailed for 67 weeks for stealing hundreds of pounds worth of food and handbags.

Michael Kyriacou, 33 and of no fixed address, stole the items over a period of a few weeks in early July and pleaded guilty to 12 offences.

He stole meat, cheese, and chocolate worth more than £1,000 across multiple incidents as well as handbags worth more than £500 from a TK Maxx shop.

Following a police investigation and his arrest, Kyriacou was charged with nine counts of shop theft, two counts of trespass with intent to commit a criminal offence, and one count of common assault of an emergency worker.

At Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Friday 24 July he pleaded guilty to each offence and was sentenced to 67 weeks in prison.

Sergeant Joe Iles said: “Kyriacou’s offending demonstrates the significant harm that prolific retail criminals cause to businesses, shop workers and the wider community.

“Over a period of just three weeks he targeted multiple stores across Bristol, repeatedly stealing high-value goods, ignoring bans imposed by retailers and showing a complete disregard for the impact of his actions.

“Particularly concerning was his behaviour towards police officers when challenged, threatening an officer with a syringe during his arrest.

“No-one should face intimidation, violence or threats simply for carrying out their job.

“Retail crime is not victimless. The cumulative effect of repeated thefts places considerable financial pressure on businesses and causes distress to staff who are often subjected to abusive and confrontational behaviour.

“We will continue to work closely with retailers and partner agencies to identify prolific offenders, bring them before the courts and pursue robust action to protect businesses and communities across Bristol.”