A MAN has been arrested and charged over shoplifting and robbery offences.
He was spotted by police officers at Co-op in Northfield. The 19-year-old tried to flee but officers chased him down and arrested him.
Kevin Lubinga was charged with eight counts of shoplifting, robbery, assault and possession of a knife.
Lubinga appeared at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday for an initial remand hearing.
He was remanded in custody pending a future court date.
The arrest and court appearance come after Tesco and Co-op in West Heath were repeatedly targeted over the past six weeks, causing misery for staff and customers.
The shops reported numerous thefts including incidents where staff were threatened.
Officers from the Northfield Neighbourhood Policing Team have supported local businesses and the community. They offered crime prevention advice and increased patrols following the reported incidents and concerns.
