After a long spree of thefts that had local shops on edge, one of Plymouth’s most persistent offenders is finally behind bars. Police say 28-year-old Justin Godefroy has been “among the most prolific” shoplifters in the city — and his recent sentencing has brought an end, at least for now, to a summer of brazen stealing.
Months of Targeting the Same Stores
Godefroy’s crimes focused almost entirely on Co-op branches dotted around Plymouth, from Devonport Road to Albert Road.
Over the summer, he was caught committing 18 separate shoplifting offences, all from the same chain.
The stolen goods weren’t just small, opportunistic grabs — his haul included everything from meats and cheeses to laundry detergent, coffee, and beauty products.
In total, the thefts added up to more than £1,000 worth of stock.
The Final Straw — A Cash Grab
The court also heard about one particularly bold theft at a Premier store on July 30.
Godefroy approached the counter as if to make a purchase, then leaned over and snatched £380 in cash when the till was opened.
At the time, he was already on licence for previous offences — meaning he was supposed to be staying out of trouble.
Instead, he continued stealing from local shops, racking up offence after offence.
No Remorse and No Cooperation
When police finally arrested him, Godefroy refused to answer questions in interview.
Officers say this was in keeping with his attitude throughout the crime spree — a total disregard for the businesses he repeatedly targeted.
Plymouth Magistrates’ Court ordered him to pay £600 in compensation to the Co-op, alongside his custodial sentence.
Police Welcome the Sentence
PC Leah Cragg, speaking after the verdict, said officers were relieved to see the court take firm action.
“We welcome the sentence given to Justin Godefroy,” she said.
“He is among the most prolific of offenders and has shown time and time again that he has no consideration for the businesses he steals from.
We will continue to tackle retail crime and bring to justice offenders such as him.”
A Shopping List of Stolen Goods
The list of Godefroy’s thefts reads almost like a bizarre grocery order:
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Food worth £60
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Laundry products worth £50
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Meat and cheese worth £80
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Meat and laundry products worth £100
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Meat, coffee and detergent worth £115
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Laundry items worth £100
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Meat worth £150
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Detergent worth £80
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Meat, cheese and a basket worth £120
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Meat and a basket worth £70
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Liquid pods worth £70
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Meat and cheese worth £405
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Laundry items worth £150
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Health and beauty products plus a basket worth £70
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Health and beauty products worth £50
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Boxes of chocolate worth more than £50 and a £20 basket
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Alcohol, coffee, meat and laundry products worth £200
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Laundry products worth £100
A Sentence That Sends a Message
For local shopkeepers, Godefroy’s sentencing may come as a relief.
His repeated targeting of the same stores was not only costly but also disruptive to staff and customers.
Police hope that this case will show that even persistent low-level theft will be met with serious consequences — and that repeat offenders can’t expect to walk away without punishment.
