AN EMPLOYEE who stole more than £3,000 worth of items from Argos left “tell-tale signs” over a few months before he was sacked.
Toby Price, of Sedge Close, Worcester, pleaded guilty to theft after he stole £3,397 worth of various items from the store in Droitwich where he worked as a customer adviser and delivery assistant.
Appearing at Worcester Magistrates Court on Friday (March 18), the 22-year-old admitted to stealing an iPhone 6, an iPhone 6 case, two Lacoste watches, a digital watch, a MacBook Air and a nine carat gold chain worth £1,799, between November 2015 and February 2016.
Jackie Rogers, prosecuting, said: “In February this year, the manager carried out a high level stock check and discovered the nine carat chain was missing. The defendant reported himself that the iPhone 6 was missing from the delivery.
“Another staff member saw that he was advertising the MacBook online. His manager conducted an in depth investigation and in a police interview he admitted to stealing all of the items”.
Susie Duncan, defending, said Price was prescribed medication for ADHD by the mental health service until he was 18 but stopped taking it when he had to pay for his prescription.
“Mr Price can’t tell you why he stole the items. His family still think he has issues with ADHD,” she said.
“He couldn’t really explain why he has committed the offences of theft from Argos. He left-tell tale signs. He doesn’t know if it’s attention seeking.
“With the chain, he put in a request for that so his name was identified there, he was wearing the watches to work. He advertised the MacBook on Facebook knowing his colleagues would find it.
“When the investigation started he knew the thefts would come back to him.
“He is extremely remorseful for what he has done and has taken steps to help his behaviour. It is a breach of trust over a sustained period of time.”
Chair of the Bench Judy Hulland, said: “This is quite a large amount that was stolen and we have to look at it seriously. We do feel that you were aware of what you were doing. It’s not going to be easy to get a job now that you have this record.”
Price was handed a 12 month community order with ten rehabilitation days and 220 hours unpaid work.
He was also ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge, £135 court costs and £3,397 compensation to Argos.
