A man has been jailed after going on a rampage snatching dummies from babies’ mouths. Josh Guilder was identified as the prolific dummy thief by police in Harlow, Essex, after four incidents were reported.
The 23-year-old’s spate of offending took place between February 10 and August 7, 2023 at the Staple Tye Shopping Centre, Woodcroft, Parsloe Road and Cooks Spinney areas.
In one horrific occasion, a child was assaulted, meanwhile in other incidents the dummies were ripped out of the child’s mouth.
Guilder, of no fixed address, was arrested on August 15 and charged with five counts of theft, three counts of common assault, and a public order offence.
He was convicted of all the offences at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on November 20 and, at the same court, was sentenced to a total of a year and two months in prison on Friday, February 2.
District Commander for Harlow, Chief Inspector Paul Austin, said: “I know these incidents caused concern in our community and I’m pleased we’ve been able to identify the person responsible and hold him accountable.
“It can never be acceptable that people in Harlow feel concerned about going about their daily lives or with their children and my officers have worked hard to get this result.
“I want to thank the community for their support in our investigation. We are committed to keeping you safe and ensuring you feel safe.
“In the last year crime across the Harlow district has fallen with more than 630 fewer offences reported. Violent crime, sexual offences and home burglaries have all seen reductions.
“Your support is crucial in helping us bring crime down.”
