Two serial shoplifters have been caught pinching thousands of pounds worth of goods from the same Tesco store after targeting it over 30 times.
Dedicated police officers sifted through hours of video evidence with staff to identify Garvey Powell and Carmen Sinclair.
They linked the pair to the thefts at the Tesco Express by analysing the CCTV.
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One officer worked on it for 33 hours after they were arrested to collate the evidence and secure charges against them.
The thefts took place at the Old Street shop in Hackney, east London, between July last year and this month,
Sgy Adam Hunter, from a Metropolitan Police Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We know shoplifting has a huge impact on businesses and also fuels other crime and anti-social behaviour.
“We recognise it’s something Londoners are concerned about and we’re working hard to tackle it. This outcome demonstrates the commitment of officers.
“This pair’s offending cost Tesco many thousands of pounds in stock and tens of thousands in additional security measures, and we’re pleased our investigation has brought them to justice.”
Powell was repeatedly seen on CCTV entering the shop with a large bag or rucksack and filling it with bottles of wine.
Sinclair regularly assisted him, as reported by Need To Know.
On many occasions, they would steal wine worth hundreds of pounds in under a minute, sometimes targeting the retailer two or three times a day.
The pair were arrested at their house on March 13 and charged the following day.
A Tesco spokesperson said: “Our colleagues work hard to serve our customers every day, and every member of our team deserves to feel safe at work.
“We would like to thank the police officers, store teams and our internal security team who have worked collaboratively on this case.
“We continue to work closely with partners such as the Metropolitan Police to share information and invest in new ways to keep our stores safe places to work and shop.”
Powell, 45, pleaded guilty to 19 counts of theft and breach of court bail.
He was sentenced at Thames Magistrates’ Court to nine months in prison and a five-year criminal behaviour order.
One of the conditions bans him from being in possession of a bag or rucksack in Hackney.
Sinclair, 47, pleaded guilty to 12 counts of theft.
She will be sentenced at Stratford Magistrates’ Court on 22 April.
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