Prolific shoplifter behind bars after admitting 22 theft offences

A prolific thief who stole items worth more than £1,500 from shops across South Devon and Exeter has been sent to prison following a coordinated effort between police and local businesses working in partnership to tackle retail crime.

Ben Dennis Williams, aged 23 of Chestnut Avenue, Exeter, appeared at Exeter Magistrates’ Court on 23 June 2026, where he pleaded guilty to 22 counts of shop theft.

The offences took place between 26th March and 17th June this year and involved stores including Co-op locations in Teignmouth and Dawlish, Tesco in Torquay and Newton Abbot, Costcutter Dawlish, Sainsbury’s Newton Abbot, and John Lewis and TK Maxx in Exeter.

Williams stole items including bottles of wine, meat, coffee, laundry products, baby clothes, energy drinks, cosmetic products and chocolate. He was sentenced to a total of nine months’ imprisonment.

Many of the offences (17 out of 22) were committed at Co-op stores in Dawlish and Teignmouth. Through their membership of the Devon, Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Business Crime Reduction Partnership, created by UK Partners Against Crime (UKPAC), these businesses were able to work collaboratively with police and other retailers to build a stronger evidential picture of offending behaviour.

PC Ange Comber, from the South Devon Crime Management Investigation Team, said: “This was a sustained period of offending which had a real impact on a number of businesses and their staff. By working closely with retailers and gathering evidence across multiple locations, we were able to demonstrate the full extent of Williams’ offending to the court.

“I hope this outcome reassures businesses that we take shop theft seriously and will pursue offenders through the courts.”

Devon & Cornwall Police’s Business and Crime Prevention Sergeant Chris Chaloner added: “This outcome highlights the value of businesses working together and alongside policing through the Business Crime Reduction Partnership. By sharing information, evidence, and intelligence collectively, we are able to identify patterns of offending more quickly and take robust action against repeat offenders.

“Partnership working doesn’t just support investigations - it helps prevent crime in the first place, protects staff, and strengthens the resilience of our local business community.

“We recognise the challenges retailers are facing, and we are committed to supporting them by encouraging collaboration and making it easier to report incidents and share vital information.”

As part of the partnership, some businesses utilised a crime intelligence platform to submit CCTV and statements efficiently, helping officers progress investigations more quickly. However, these tools form just one element of a broader approach focused on prevention, intelligence-sharing and joint working between businesses and policing.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall & Isles of Scilly, Alison Hernandez, commented: “This case proves what we have known for some time. UKPAC is a game changer. I’d like to say a big thank you to the businesses in Dawlish and Teignmouth who, by using this excellent time-saving reporting tool, helped the police and the courts take such firm action. Retail crime is not just a business issue - it impacts the whole community and undermines the vibrancy of our town and city centres. 

“The UKPAC scheme, part funded by my office, gives traders the tools to take a stand and work together with police and partners to hold offenders to account and make our streets safer.  

“If you’re a business that’s being affected by shoplifting or anti-social behaviour, please sign up and start reporting now. Together we can make a huge difference to our high streets.”

Gareth Lewis, CEO UK Partners Against Crime added: “This case shows how retailers, technology partners and the police can work together to tackle prolific offenders. The stores involved used UKPAC's crime reporting platform to report incidents, allowing our Crime Analysts to review the information and build a clear picture of the offender's activity across multiple thefts.

"By using our Direct to Police Reporting technology, CCTV, witness statements and supporting evidence were transferred seamlessly into policing systems, saving considerable time for both officers and store colleagues while helping to ensure the offender was charged with all 22 offences. We are proud to support the outstanding work of Devon & Cornwall Police and our members in bringing repeat offenders to justice and making retail environments safer for colleagues, customers and local communities."

Retail crime is not victimless and can have a significant impact on shop staff and businesses. Police and partners continue to work closely with retailers to prevent offences, bring offenders to justice and support those affected.

For more information and advice on business crime, please visit the Devon & Cornwall Police website Home | Devon & Cornwall Police

For more information about the Devon, Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Business Crime Reduction Partnership or how to become a member, please visit www.uk-pac.com