Prolific shoplifter admits offences in court

A prolific shoplifter that targeted businesses and vehicles across Stoke-on-Trent has admitted his offences in court. 

John Martin, 36, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to 15 offences when he appeared at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre on Monday (16 June). 

The offences are:

Martin was arrested on 24 May following a series of thefts from shops and vehicles across the city.

On 15 March 2025, he stole around £160-worth of goods from Boots in Hanley and on 29 May, he returned to the same shop and stole a perfume worth £100.

On Sunday 1 June, he stole around £1,000-worth of clothing and sunglasses from a car parked in Etruria and on Thursday 5 June, he stole around £200-worth of items from a car parked in Stoke. 

Martin is due to be sentenced at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre on Thursday 24 July. 

He has also been handed an interim Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) which prevents him from entering nine businesses across Stoke-on-Trent.