A serial shoplifter threatened a B&M Bargains worker with a knife as he attempted to escape with a stolen vacuum cleaner, marking the seventh time he had been caught stealing in less than a year. The incident occurred at the B&M store in Fforestfach, Swansea, on September 18. The court heard that the 43-year-old thief, Adam Griffiths, was recognized by store employee Jake Brownlie as an associate of a known shoplifter who had tried to steal from the shop earlier that day. Griffiths then picked up a Tower vacuum cleaner and attempted to exit the store without paying for it. However, Mr Brownlie blocked his path and asked him to pay for the item. Despite initially denying having anything in his possession, the vacuum cleaner was clearly visible under Griffiths’ arm. When confronted by Mr Brownlie for the second time, Griffiths threatened to stab him, reaching towards his pocket. The employee, fearing for his life, allowed Griffiths to leave with the stolen £39 vacuum cleaner but the thief was arrested days later following the incident.
During police interviews, Griffiths admitted to stealing to fund his drug habit and expressed a desire to return to prison. He denied making threats but acknowledged his recurring pattern of theft-related offences. Griffiths, of Bluebell Way in Penlan, pleaded guilty to robbery during the court proceedings. His defence lawyer, Daniel Griffiths, highlighted that drug addiction was the underlying issue behind most of his client’s criminal history. The lawyer emphasized that the threat made by Griffiths was spontaneous, and he did not possess a weapon. Griffiths had no prior record of violence and expressed a willingness to break the cycle of offending and imprisonment by addressing his drug addiction.
The judge, Recorder David Payne, expressed concern over the frequency of Griffiths’ offences over the past year, noting his recurring appearances in court. Griffiths himself acknowledged the need for a change in his life, stating in a police interview, “I’m too old for this… get me on the script for a couple of weeks. I’ll come out and leave the drugs alone.” In light of the circumstances, Recorder Payne sentenced Griffiths to 45 weeks in jail. Despite the ongoing challenges posed by his drug addiction, Griffiths was urged to make positive changes to avoid further criminal behaviour and a bleak future.
Griffiths’ case brings attention to the underlying issue of drug addiction in society and the impact it can have on individuals, leading to a cycle of criminal behaviour and incarceration. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing addiction and providing support to break the cycle of offending.