THE ongoing effect of repeat shoplifting could result in companies deciding their Wrexham stores are 'no longer viable,' a Judge has warned.

In recent weeks, the Leader reported on the impact of continual theft from Wrexham city centre shops.

Business leaders urged struggling residents to reach out for help rather than turning to crime to put food on the table or pay their bills.

Darren Roberts, formerly of Heol y Wal but whom is currently of no fixed abode, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The 49-year-old admitted three offences of theft which took place at Gwersyllt in May.

Prosecutor Rhian Jackson told the court that the first offence took place at Home Bargains on May 22, and saw him taking laundry items and shower gel worth £22.45.

Then on May 24, he went back to the same store and took £10 worth of laundry items.

And finally on May 26, he entered the Spar and took a £9.99 pack of Budweiser beers.

Ms Jackson said the defendant had 23 previous convictions for 49 offences - of which 27 were theft related.

The latest thefts put him in breach of a suspended sentence of 20 weeks custody, suspended for 12 months.

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Emma Simoes, defending, told District Judge Gwyn Jones: "He finds himself in a precarious position, in breach of the suspended sentence.

"What Mr Roberts wants me to impress on the court is that he didn't commit these offences to fund any drug habits.

"He finds himself with no fixed abode and has been trying to sofa surf.

"His friends want recompense for that.

"The sad reality is he's doing this to survive and eat.

"I appreciate you're completely justified in activating the suspended sentence today and giving him additional time for the flurry of further shoplifting, but what will be achieved?

"He will have a short spell in Berwyn, then be back to square one."

Ms Simoes asked that her client be given a chance to make progress on his suspended sentence.

The District Judge told the defendant: "I accept that living on the street isn't easy.

"And you may have your own personal issues, but that doesn't justify you going into these stores and stealing items with a view to selling them on the alternative market.

"You're putting the livelihoods of all those people who work in these stores, and the service they provide to the community, at risk.

"The profit margins in these stores is quite low and with the amount of losses they have to put up with, they may decide it's no longer viable.

The Leader:

"That then takes away that facility from the community and means those people working there lose their jobs - as a result of you, and others."

The District Judge decided not to activate the suspended sentence, but extended its operational period from 12 months to 18.

Roberts was fined £50 on each of the new theft matters and must pay compensation to the value of the items taken in each incident.

He must also pay £85 costs.

The District Judge warned him: "You're being given a chance.

"If you mess it up, there will only be one person to blame and you know who that is.

"I suggest you do not enter those stores again."