A thief who showed a “flagrant disregard for people and their property” in York has been sent to prison, just days after his crimes.
Daniel Heaney, 30, of no fixed address, was jailed for a total of eight months for a series of burglaries and shop thefts in the city.
He must also pay compensation to two members of staff he assaulted.
Between 27 April and 2 May this year, Heaney broke into one small business in Layerthorpe and two in Acomb and stole money, including from a charity collection box.
He also stole meat and assaulted staff at supermarkets on Lowther Street and East Parade.
Officers from North Yorkshire Police quickly linked Heaney to the offences, and shared a ‘wanted’ photograph of him online and in the media on 2 May to help track him down.
The same day, he was spotted by a police patrol on Walmgate and arrested.
Haney was remanded in custody, and appeared at York Magistrates Court on 5 May, where he pleaded guilty to three burglaries, two shop thefts, and two assaults.
He was told that only a custodial sentence could be justified, as he had shown “a flagrant disregard for people and their property”.
DCI Shaun Page, of North Yorkshire Police, said:
“For the last six months Heaney has either been in prison or out in public committing crime. He has made no effort to engage with services which could support him in stopping his offending – but instead continues to inflict misery on shop staff across the city.
“Retail crime has a negative impact on our local economy – not to mention the fear it causes for staff who are simply doing their jobs. We’ve placed a significant focus on addressing these crimes, which has led to a notable increase in the number of arrests.
“This case sends a very clear message that reports of shop theft will be investigated promptly and effectively, and that those responsible can except a lengthy prison sentence.”