Two men from Birmingham have been jailed after they admitted to stealing nearly £20,000-worth of jewellery in Cheltenham last month.
Patrick Cauley and Bernard Casey, both aged 34, appeared at Gloucester Crown Court yesterday (Thursday 18 December) where they were both sentenced to one year in prison.
The pair must serve a minimum of six months before being considered for release on license and were ordered to pay victim surcharges.
The men, who are of Wellman Croft in Birmingham and Preston Road in Birmingham respectively, had previously pleaded guilty to one count each of theft from a shop.
The court heard how the men had travelled down to Cheltenham on 13 November this year (2025) with the plan of stealing thousands of pounds-worth of jewellery.
The pair went to Beards Jewellers and asked an employee to see several bangles and bracelets from the display cabinet.
It was during this time that Cauley spoke to the employee, stating he wanted something “bigger” whilst Casey took two bangles from the counter and put them in his pockets.
Both men then walked out of the shop and got into a nearby taxi.
Staff members became aware of what had happened and the manager of the shop quickly alerted Police.
As part of enquiries, officers from the Local Policing Team identified the taxi firm used by the men and established they had been dropped off at Cheltenham Spa train station.
Cauley had already boarded a train which had departed for Birmingham, however Casey was stopped outside the station and detained by officers.
PCs contacted colleagues from the British Transport Police and West Mercia Police who stopped the train in Worcester and arrested Cauley.
This quick thinking meant that both men were stopped before reaching their final destination and allowed an investigation to begin.
Several items of the stolen jewellery were located, however the whereabouts of bangles, valued at over £8,000, remains unknown.
CCTV enquiries showed the offence happening and both men were subsequently charged.
In mitigation Cauley’s lawyer said he was incredibly ashamed of his actions and felt remorse. It was explained how the incorrect management of medication and overconsumption of alcohol had influenced his behaviour.
Casey’s lawyer said he demonstrated regret and that the mismanagement of mental health conditions along with bad influences had impacted his lifestyle and actions on the day.
At the conclusion of sentencing, investigating officer PC Euan Edwards said: “I am pleased that both Casey and Cauley have been jailed for their actions after the Judge recognised the seriousness of their offending.
“This investigation and court case is a great example of different policing teams from different forces working together to catch those responsible.
“Shoplifting isn’t a victimless crime and this investigation shows how Gloucestershire Constabulary will leave no stone unturned when it comes to investigating retail and business crime.”