A SHOPLIFTER has been found guilty for stealing a jacket from John Lewis in Reading.

The jacket, worth £210, was stolen from the Broad Street store in Reading town centre on October 8 at around 11.40am.

Following a police investigation, Ryan Bunce was arrested on Thursday, December 7 and charged the same day.

The 26-year-old of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to one count of shoplifting at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Friday, December 8.

He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at the same court for sentencing on December 22.

Thames Valley Police said the John Lewis store is a prolific target for shoplifters in town.

Investigating officer PC Vince Moore, one of the neighbourhood officers for Reading town centre, based at Reading police station, said: “Shoplifting has had a significant impact in Reading and in particular the John Lewis store.

“It is far from being a victimless crime and businesses suffer great financial loss from such offending, and in the case for which Bunce has been convicted, he has caused the store not just financial loss, but also causing huge inconvenience and anguish to the store and their staff, who are targeted on a regular basis.

“We know that shoplifting is a massive issue, and we are absolutely committed tackling retail crime and supporting the business community in our town.

“I hope this conviction will ensure others who feel it’s acceptable to take what is not theirs to reconsider their actions, as we will pursue you, charge you and put you before the courts to face justice."