A prolific shoplifter who wreaked havoc across Newcastle has been convicted.

Menace Neil Ganjel plagued businesses across Jesmond, Gosforth and other parts of Newcastle for months stealing meat, cosmetics and anything else he could get his hands on.

The 32-year-old was arrested on June 14, just hours after staff from the Co Op on Cedar Road in Newcastle reported seeing him help himself to quantities of meat worth £200 and leave without paying.

Within hours, he was arrested and taken into custody where he was quizzed about the offence.

And not before long eagle-eyed officers soon linked to him another 20 offences which had taken place in recent weeks – and cost local businesses more than £1,600.

Ganjel, of Graingerville North, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on June 15 where he pleaded guilty and was remanded in custody. He is due to be sentenced at Crown Court on July

13.

Speaking after the conviction, Neighbourhood Inspector Anita Morgan praised the quick response of her officers and reiterated the Force’s commitment to helping businesses across the Community.

She said: “Thefts can have a real detrimental impact on our local businesses which is why we are committed to working closely with them.

“Ganjel is a prolific and repeat offender and the fact he has been remanded in custody shows he cannot be trusted on our streets, and I am pleased he is now convicted.

“I would like our communities to know that we are committed to doing all we can to tackle this type of criminality and will work hard to bring offenders to justice.”

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