Joshua Moss, 31, who openly admitted to a series of shoplifting incidents and assaults on shop workers, has been sentenced to 26 weeks in jail. Between June 8 and August 1, Moss committed 14 counts of theft and four assaults while targeting shops across Swindon and Wiltshire.
During his court appearance at Swindon Magistrates' Court on August 4, an additional four thefts were considered in determining his sentence. Moss, who has no fixed address, responded aggressively when confronted by retail staff, physically attacking them on multiple occasions.
In addition to his jail term, Moss has been issued a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) that prohibits him from entering Swindon town centre and several specific retail outlets within the area.
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PC Paul Bezzant from the Swindon Central South neighbourhood policing team highlighted the serious impact of such crimes: “Shoplifting is far from a victimless offense. Retail employees often face physical assault, and businesses incur financial losses. These losses, in turn, contribute to higher prices for consumers.”
He added, “Moss is a repeat offender, and the court’s decision to impose a custodial sentence reflects the seriousness of his actions. The CBO will help protect the community from further harassment, alarm, or distress linked to his behavior once he is released.”
This case underscores the ongoing challenges posed by prolific shoplifters and emphasizes the importance of protecting both staff and shoppers from crime-related harm.