A man described by police as a 'prolific' offender has been sent to prison after admitting a string of shoplifting offences across Telford, including the theft of coffee valued at £12 from a Tesco Express store.
String of Thefts Leads to Court Appearance
Connor Heneghan, 27, of no fixed abode, appeared at Telford Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 7 January 2026. He pleaded guilty to a total of 20 charges relating to theft from a store. The offences took place across the Telford area between December 2025 and January 2026.
His arrest came on Tuesday, 6 January, following an incident at the Tesco Express in Woodside, Telford, where he was caught stealing the coffee.
Police Commitment to Tackling Repeat Offenders
The court handed Heneghan a 40-week custodial sentence. Following the sentencing, Sergeant Rich Jones from Telford's Town Centre Team emphasised the force's ongoing efforts to combat shoplifting.
"We're committed to identifying and arresting repeat shoplifters swiftly to prevent further offences and protect our local businesses," said Sgt Jones. "Shoplifting doesn't just cause financial loss, it also affects staff who are left to manage the fallout of these incidents."
He added that his team would continue working closely with retailers on crime prevention and ensuring those responsible are held to account through the courts.
Impact on Local Business and Community
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police confirmed the details of the case, stating the sentence reflected the persistent nature of the offending. The police reiterated that targeting prolific offenders is a key part of their strategy to support local shops and the wider community.
The case highlights the significant consequences that can follow from repeated theft, even for items of relatively low individual value, when considered as part of a wider pattern of criminal behaviour.
