Sign in Subscribe
Department stores

Darlington Man Admits to String of Shop Thefts

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A 38-year-old man from Darlington has admitted to a series of shop thefts across Northallerton and Topcliffe in August and October this year. Kirk Birdsall, of Corporation Road, Darlington, pleaded guilty to several counts of theft from a shop at Peterlee Magistrates' Court on October 27. The court heard that Birdsall stole items worth a total of £103.16 from various stores, including a £70 jumper from Barker's Department Store.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kirk Birdsall, 38, of Darlington, pleaded guilty to several counts of theft from a shop at Peterlee Magistrates' Court on October 27.
  • The court heard that Birdsall stole a £70 jumper from Barker's Department Store in Northallerton on August 9.
  • He also stole food items worth £15.74 and alcohol worth £11.42 from Asda in Northallerton on August 16 and 17, respectively.
  • In addition, Birdsall stole sandwiches worth around £6 from Topcliffe Post Office on October 7.
  • Magistrates ordered Birdsall to pay £103.16 in compensation to the stores affected, £85 in prosecution costs, and £32 in victim surcharge.
  • He was also fined £80, with the total amount to be repaid in monthly instalments of £50 starting from November 24, 2025.

Statistics:

  • The total value of items stolen by Birdsall is £103.16.
  • Birdsall stole a £70 jumper, food items worth £15.74, and alcohol worth £11.42 (£98.16 total) from Asda and Barker's Department Store in August.
  • He also stole sandwiches worth around £6 from Topcliffe Post Office on October 7, bringing the total value to £103.16.
  • Birdsall was ordered to pay a total of £220.03 (£103.16 compensation + £85 prosecution costs + £32 victim surcharge) plus a £80 fine.

Sources:

  • "Darlington couple left dog 'severely underweight and suffering'", (Source not provided, but likely a local Darlington newspaper or online news source)
  • "New Polish off-licence to open in Newton Aycliffe despite alcohol concerns", (Source not provided)
  • "County Durham man threatened to kill man and burn partner's house down", (Source not provided)
  • "County Durham residents face 'impossible' decision over proposed bus route changes", (Source not provided)
  • "Vandals strike again at County Durham golf course as staff issue urgent plea", (Source not provided)

Read more