A court official has suggested that owners place photos of thieves in their businesses so that they can be more alert whenever these persons enter their business places on other occasions.

“I think some of those business need to take photos of persons like you and place it in a conspicuous position in the store so that people would see the regular shoplifters,” Senior Magistrate, Colin John said after fining and bonding a man for theft, adding that it would help the businesses be more alert when offenders like these enter their businesses.

The comment was in relation to Daimen Williams of Old Montrose, who appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court before the Senior Magistrate on Tuesday February, 20, 2024 where he pleaded guilty that on February 5, 2024 at Kingstown, he stole two bottles of Sunset Very Strong Rum valued at EC$113.38, the property of Massy Stores, Stoney Ground, Kingstown.

Williams also pleaded guilty that on January 30, 2024 he stole one bottle of 750ml Sunset Strong Rum valued EC$44.24, the property of Massy Stores, Stoney Ground, Kingstown.

According to the facts, security guard Lavonne Mcfee of Rillan Hill, was in her office on Wednesday January 31,2024 at around 4:05 p.m reviewing the camera footage for Tuesday January, 30, 2024. It revealed Williams picking up a bottle of 750ml Sunset Strong Rum and going to the back of the supermarket.

He placed the bottle in his bag pack and walked out of the supermarket without paying for it. The V/Compt made note of the incident and reported it to her supervisor. On Monday February,5, 2024 at about 4:10 p.m, the V/Compt was at work patrolling the ground floor of the supermarket when she observed the defendant whom she recognized from the said security footage standing close to the exit door of the supermarket beyond the cashiers with a bag pack on his back.

The V/Compt approached him and requested to search him, and two bottles of one litre Sunset Strong Rum were discovered in his bag pack. Shortly afterwards the defendant escaped from the security and ran out of the supermarket. As a result, a report was made to the police who arrived.

PC233 Browne entertained the report. The said video footage and exhibits were handed over, and written statement recorded from the V/Compt. PC233 Browne investigated and on Monday February,19, 2024 the defendant was met at the Criminal Investigation Department sitting on the station’s bench.

He was informed of the report made against him, was cautioned and then interviewed, but he gave no statement. Later that day PC233 Browne arrested and charged the defendant Daimen Williams of Old Montrose for the offence of theft.

On his first charge, Williams was fined $300, to be paid in one month or face three months in prison. He was also ordered to compensate Massy Stores $44.20 forthwith. On the second charge, Williams was fined $300. This is also to be paid in one month, with a default of three months imprisonment. He was also bonded for one year in the sum of $500, in default of which he will spend three months behind bars.