A shoplifter who stole four cans of cola while stood next to police officers in Tameside has been handed a 14-week prison sentence.
Simon Hawe, of no fixed abode, took the drinks worth a total of £6 from a petrol station on Manchester Road, Ashton-under-Lyne.
Greater Manchester Police says that while in full view of staff and other customers, the 39-year-old crouched down next to an end aisle in the petrol station.
He then placed four cans of cola in his coat pocket and attempted to make his way out of the store.
But unfortunately for Hawe, the theft was witnessed by officers from GMP Tameside's Intelligence Development Unit, who were in the store at the time picking up refreshments.
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They detained Hawe and took him to Ashton police station, where he was later charged and remanded to appear at Tameside Magistrates Court on Wednesday (August 4).
Once at court, Hawe entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to 14 weeks in prison.
DS Chapman, of GMP Tameside's Intelligence Development Unit, said: "This particular service station has recently had spate of similar thefts and the staff were very pleased and appreciative that the officers had taken such swift, positive action.
"Added to the strong message from Tameside magistrates, this will hopefully act as a deterrence for those wanting to commit these kind of offences in the future."
Anyone with information or who has any concerns about shoplifting - or where those responsible are selling on the goods - can report it to GMP online.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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