Thief who stole thousands in 39 thefts finally jailed

A man who stole thousands of pounds of goods in 39 separate thefts at well-known high street retailers has been jailed for four years.

Michael Prabucki’s crime spree was finally halted by the Metropolitan Police’s Super Recogniser Unit, a team with a unique ability to remember faces.

The 31-year-old Polish national, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Blackfriars Crown Court after admitting all 39 counts of theft when he was shown overwhelming photographic evidence of him at all the crime scenes.

All but one of the 39 offences targeted retailers, with one a theft from a person.

He claimed his offences were committed to fund his addiction to drugs.

Prabucki stole mainly electronic equipment, including tablets and mobile phone handsets.

He also stole other items such as alcohol.

None of the stolen property, estimated to be valued at around £20,000, has been recovered.

The crimes took place between 2012 and this year.