Middlesbrough PF worker stole from customers' packages

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Middlesbrough postal worker stole from customers' packages

A POSTAL worker stole customers’ packages while working in an environment where such activity was “rife”, a court heard.

James Paul Smith was caught stealing from Parcelforce, where he was temporarily employed in the run-up to Christmas.

The 25-year-old was an agency worker when he helped himself to packages containing a handheld games console and mobile phone.

The theft came to light after an empty package was found which was traced back to Smith, Teesside Magistrates’ Court was told.

A search was carried out at Parcelforce and the missing item was found in Smith’s bag.

The court heard he made admissions, saying it was “a daft thing to do” with Christmas coming up. It was found he had also taken a package containing the Nintendo.

Smith, of Saltwells Crescent, Longlands, Middlesbrough, was sentenced after admitting the theft. He had pleaded guilty to stealing a Nintendo DS and a Blackberry Curve mobile phone from Parcelforce at Middlesbrough on December 13.


The defendant had no previous convictions for dishonesty.

His solicitor Simon Walker said the court was entitled to treat him as a man of good character.

“It appears to be completely out of character,” said Mr Walker.

Mr Walker told the court the idea had been put in Smith’s mind by other employees. It was claimed that such activity was “rife”.

He said Smith had “succumbed to temptation” and lost his job and effectively his good name.

“He is remorseful. It is not going to happen again.”

Smith was given a 12-month community order with 60 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay £60 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Speaking after the hearing, a Parcelforce Worldwide spokesman confirmed a temporary agency worker was dismissed following an internal investigation at Cleveland Parcel Depot, Riverside Park.

“Parcelforce Worldwide has a zero tolerance approach to any dishonesty and that stance is shared by the overwhelming majority of our staff, who are honest and hardworking and who do all they can to protect the mail and deliver it safely,” he added.

“It is a criminal offence to tamper with or delay the delivery of mail and anyone caught doing so will face serious disciplinary measures.”

Parcelforce would always seek to prosecute the “tiny minority” who abused their position of trust, the spokesman said.