Prolific shoplifter jailed after threatening West Midlands shop workers with a knife
Philip McCarthy, 38, from Coventry, was jailed for five years and five months.
A prolific robber who threatened shop workers and members of the public with a knife in the West Midlands has been jailed.
Philip McCarthy, from Coventry, went on a spree of robberies earlier this year targeting shops in the city and stealing hundreds of pounds of goods and cash.
The 38-year-old threatened shop workers with a knife until West Midlands Police tracked him down and arrested him in February.
He was later charged with robbery, attempted robbery, possession of a knife and possession of Class A drugs.
This month, McCarthy was jailed for five years and five months at Warwick Crown Court.
Sergeant Ian Powell, from the St Michaels and Hillfields Neighbourhood team, said: "This is an excellent result which came directly as a result of our proactive patrols.
"Our officers were able to identify McCarthy as a suspect in these incidents after examining CCTV and engaging with businesses while on patrol.
"The information we receive from residents and businesses helps us build investigations and take action against prolific offenders like this.
"We know the distress this type of offending causes shop staff and how frightening it can be.
"By telling us where and when these types of crime occur, you can help us take serial thieves and robbers off the streets and make Coventry safer."