A man branded a “persistent and prolific offender” has been sentenced to prison after embarking on an audacious and highly organised shoplifting spree across west and south Wales. Fifty-one-year-old Ryan Robinson, who has a long history of theft-related offences, was found guilty of stealing thousands of pounds’ worth of alcohol and luxury goods in a string of thefts at major retailers last year.
The most brazen of Robinson’s crimes took place at a Tesco store in Aberystwyth, where he managed to make away with 54 bottles of Jack Daniel’s whiskey, 20 bottles of Champagne, and 10 bottles of vodka in a single visit. Not content with this significant haul, he also took two pizzas and multiple bags of crisps, bringing the total value of goods stolen in that trip to a staggering £3,566. Less than half an hour later, he returned to the same store and took a further £2,000 worth of alcohol.
This crime spree was not an isolated incident. The court heard that Robinson began his wave of thefts on 13 July last year at the Tesco in Pembroke Dock, entering the supermarket with two large bags and filling them with 16 bottles of various spirits and Champagne, escaping with £463 worth of stock. Despite heavy surveillance and security measures typically in place at large retailers, Robinson was able to operate with apparent confidence and speed.
Robinson’s activity did not go unnoticed for long. Law enforcement was able to identify him from CCTV footage, as an officer recognised Robinson due to his extensive criminal history. He was arrested and brought to Cardigan police station, but his conduct in custody was reportedly “obstructive and aggressive,” complicating police efforts during the investigation. He refused to be interviewed and was subsequently charged with three counts of theft from a shop. After being released on bail, Robinson failed to attend court, resulting in his conviction in absence and a warrant issued for his arrest.
Undeterred, Robinson’s offending shifted to Bridgend in December, when on 18 December he targeted a Boots store in Caroline Street. On this occasion, he carried off fragrances and cosmetics worth £2,777. Incredibly, he returned to the same shop later that day and once again loaded his bags with goods, which led to his arrest on site. Even during police interviews, Robinson’s attitude remained confrontational.
Swansea Crown Court was told that Robinson, residing at Heol Calfin in the Ravenhill area of Swansea, had previously been convicted at trial of three counts of shop theft and pleaded guilty to a further charge. He has a total of 67 previous convictions, covering 124 offences, the majority of which were theft-related. Notably, he was still under a suspended sentence for a previous shoplifting incident at the time of these new offences.
In mitigation, Robinson’s barrister, Alexandra Wilson, highlighted her client’s health needs and his fear of losing council-provided accommodation adapted for his use. She insisted Robinson continued to deny involvement in the Pembroke Dock and Aberystwyth incidents, despite the court’s findings.
Judge Huw Rees, presiding over the matter, expressed little sympathy for the defendant and remarked on the repeated opportunities Robinson had squandered. Describing him as “persistent and prolific,” Judge Rees said it was time for the region’s shops “to be rid of” Robinson for a significant period, referencing previous leniency—where a suspended prison sentence had apparently done little to deter further offending.
Sentencing reflected the severity and persistence of Robinson’s criminal behaviour. He received two years’ imprisonment for each of the west Wales thefts, plus 16 months relating to the Bridgend offences, all to run concurrently. Additionally, three months of his previous suspended sentence were activated and will be served consecutively, for a total of two years and three months in custody. As per standard practice, he will serve up to half of this sentence in prison before being released on licence under supervision for the remaining period.
This case highlights the challenges retailers and law enforcement face in tackling repeat offenders determined to defy the law. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of previous sentencing in deterring habitual criminals, leaving many to wonder what more can be done to stem the tide of persistent retail theft across Wales and the wider UK.