Serial shoplifter, 40, swiped 17 tubes of Pringles in string of thefts told police ‘once you pop, you can’t stop’ after he was arrested

A serial shoplifter who stole 17 tubes of Pringles in a series of thefts told police ‘once you pop you can’t stop’ after he was arrested.

Adam Spencer was stopped by police in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, on Tuesday after officers spotted the prolific thief.

When questioned, the 40-year-old shoplifter admitted to taking numerous cans of the popular chips in a store raid and quoted the brand’s slogan in his confession, joking: ‘Once you pop, you can’t stop ‘.

Spencer has now avoided a prison sentence after admitting two counts of burglary and three counts of theft at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

He was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, suspended for a year, and ordered to pay £200 in compensation and complete a six-month drug rehabilitation programme.

Adam Spencer pictured on CCTV during one of his thefts. The serial shoplifter who swiped 17 tubes of Pringles in a series of thefts told police ‘once you pop you can’t stop’ after he was arrested

Police said the series of thefts started at Tesco on Alfreton Road on April 11 before moving to Asda on Priestsic Road six days later.

On May 2, Spencer broke through the back door of Iceland, also on Priestsic Road, before stealing meat products.

He returned two hours later and stole more than £300 worth of shares. On May 19, he returned to the store for another theft.

PC Dean Fenton, from Nottinghamshire Police, said: ‘The actions of prolific thieves like Spencer can have a very negative impact on communities who do not want their shops targeted again and again.

“Shoplifting is not a victimless crime. These violations hurt businesses, impact people’s livelihoods and can ultimately lead to consumers paying more for items as they increase prices.

“Burglary is also a very serious crime, so we were pleased to be able to link Spencer to the two he was involved in, as well as the shoplifting, and bring him to justice.”

In a statement, the force said: ‘Officers from the provincial priority team were on patrol in Sutton-in-Ashfield when they spotted Adam Spencer.

‘Realizing Spencer was wanted for a string of burglaries and shoplifting, they attempted to arrest him at the roadside in Lammas Road.

When questioned, the 40-year-old shoplifter admitted to taking numerous cans of the popular chips during a store raid and quoted the brand’s slogan in his confession, joking: “Once you pop, you can’t go back.” stop’ (Stock Photo)

‘After jumping on his push bike and trying to cycle away, the 40-year-old didn’t get far before the officers running after him caught up with him.

“Spencer was recognized by officers on Tuesday (May 28) as the province’s priority team was investigating him at the time for multiple retail offenses.”

They added: ‘Two of these took place in the early hours of the same morning on May 2, when Spencer broke into Iceland, in Priestsic Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield.

‘After breaking in through a back door at 2.40am and stealing meat products, the thief returned at around 4.20am and stole over £300 worth of stock.

‘Both sides of these two burglaries, Spencer also helped himself to items from three other shops in Sutton-in-Ashfield during a series of shopliftings.

‘The first took place on April 11 at Tesco, on Alfreton Road, with the shoplifter then targeting the Priestsic Road-based Asda and Iceland stores on April 17 and May 19.

‘He took seventeen jars of Pringles during one of the thefts, which Spencer later admitted when questioned by police, saying: ‘Once you pop, you can’t stop.’