Shoplifting spree ends in prison sentence

A man “trying to make ends meet” started a months-long shoplifting spree by stealing an $850 crystal skull from a Napier gift shop.

In the Napier District Court on Thursday, Judge Bridget Mackintosh jailed Napier man Rihia Rana Noda, 29, for a raft of shoplifting and theft charges.

On August 26 last year he entered Sanctuary Gifts in Napier and took a crystal skull, valued at $850.

A few months later on October 2 he stole $20 worth of rump steak from Pak’nSave Napier. He went to the store again on November 9 and took a selection of pies and muffins, and ate them after exiting the store.

An act of love got him in more trouble. He entered Creative Treasures in Hastings where he took a watch from a shelf — unaware CCTV cameras were recording his actions.

He later told police he stole the watch as a gift for his girlfriend, but they were both poor and she sold it.

On November 19 he visited the Hastings Rock Shop and took a Boss DR-O1S Rhythm partner drum valued at $399.

The drum was never recovered. He then went again to Pak’nSave, this time in Hastings, and concealed more goods before he was confronted by a staff member.

He later told police he was hungry and wanted breakfast but had no money until later that evening.

Noda’s defence counsel told the judge that letters of remorse had been written in apology for his offending.

Mackintosh took into account Noda’s personal circumstances and heard Noda eventually wanted to return to Auckland to be with family.

He was sentenced to four and a half months’ imprisonment with six months’ post-sentence supervision.