Shoplifter jailed after stealing more than £700 worth of goods, Plymouth
A shoplifter who stole over £700 worth of goods in just under a month will now spend 34-weeks in prison.
Plymouth local Ross Dansie, aged 32, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to nine counts of shoplifting after admitting to stealing a range of goods including booze, household products and coffee.
Dansie appeared at Plymouth Magistrates Court on Monday 9 March where he was handed jail time for his spree of offending at Boots, M&S and Tesco between 29 January and 25 February.
PS Steve Dykes, from the local neighbourhood policing team, said: “It was clear to see the harm that Dansie’s prolific offending was causing, so I welcome this outcome from the courts.
“Shoplifting can have a profound impact on our communities, not only the financial impact on businesses, but also the impact that repeated behaviour like this can have on the wellbeing of employees.”
Dansie was previously handed a ten-week prison sentence, suspended for 12-months, in October 2025. This was taken into account during sentencing at court, where he was subsequently sentenced to an additional 24-weeks for the offences that took place between January – February this year, bringing his total jail time to 34 weeks.
Commenting on the importance of reporting, PS Dykes added: “I would urge business impacted by shoplifting or anyone who witnesses it to please report it.
“Your information is key in helping us to build evidence against prolific offenders so that we can put them before the courts, just like in the case of Dansie.
“Together we can continue to create a safer Plymouth.”
The investigation was led by the Crime Management Investigation team (CMIT) and supported by local neighbourhood officers.
You can report crime online or via the 101 non-emergency service or on the Devon & Cornwall Police website: Report a crime | Devon & Cornwall Police
If you wish to remain anonymous you can report through the anonymous charity Crimestoppers: Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers
Published 11 March 2026.
Image gallery:
select image to see larger version