Shoplifter in wig sentenced after hiding in wardrobe

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 16:07 · Archive

A man who wore a wig during shop thefts was caught after hiding in a wardrobe when police arrived.

Warren Medcroft, 39, of no fixed address, wore a long brown wig when he stole £44.70 of mince meat, beef steaks and beef burgers from the One Stop store in Nottingham Road, Ilkeston, on 4 October. CCTV footage led to his identification despite the disguise.

Medcroft's thefts formed part of a stealing spree spanning a month, during which he committed 15 offences at Asda and One Stop stores on the same road. He took various items including baby milk, washing products and butter.

When police moved to arrest him, Medcroft attempted to evade capture by hiding in a wardrobe, but was quickly found. He appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court on 8 October and admitted all 15 counts of shop theft. He was given a 12-month community order with a rehabilitation requirement and ordered to pay compensation to the shops. PC Charlotte Watson, who led the investigation, said shoplifting has a real impact on businesses in the community and hoped the rehabilitation requirement would help Medcroft address his behaviour.

How it is being reported

• Meat-stealing Ilkeston shoplifter wore wig and hid in wardrobe in attempt to dodge policeThe long brown wig wasn't enough to fool policeDerbyshire Live · 26 Oct, 15:36
• Prolific Derbyshire shoplifter wore wig and hid in wardrobe in attempt to outsmart police“He clearly didn’t want to face the consequences of his actions.”Derbyshire Times · 26 Oct, 14:12

In this story: Warren Medcroft · One Stop · Asda · Ilkeston · Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court · PC Charlotte Watson

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