IT was third time unlucky for a would-be thief at the Londis shop in Winyates Green.
For the staff had been keeping an eye out for him and when he tried to pinch even more goods, they nabbed him then held him down until the police arrive.
And their actions brought a letter of thanks from local Chief Inspector Edward Hancox of Redditch police, who said: “I understand that you recognised the male who was wanted for numerous thefts, some of which took place at the Londis store where you work.
“On recognising the male I am told you physically restrained him until police arrived.
“The officers investigating have brought your actions to my attention and I would like to express my sincere thanks of behalf of West Mercia Police for detaining him and assisting my officers. Thank you.”
Shop owner Vamadevan Sacitharan said: “The guy had come in and got away twice and had pinched about £120 worth of stock, things like coffee and bacon.
“The third time we were waiting for him and we got him, locked him up in the shop and the police were there in 10 minutes.”
The thief, a homeless man with a string of offences, was sentenced to 13 weeks in prison.
