Theft: Leigh Anthony Taylor, Narrell Natalie Wozanna Harper both caught stealing and ordered to pay fines, restitution

Tobacco, burgers, and lasagne: Petty theft on the rise as Gladstone locals convicted on stealing offences. See what reason they gave for their crime.

Tobacco and chicken burgers were among goods stolen from local businesses as thieves were caught and ordered to pay fines and reimburse businesses for the items taken.

Gladstone Police’s most recent crime data shows theft is at a three-month high with more than 1,200 theft offences (excluding unlawful entry) in the month of February alone.

Leigh Anthony Taylor, 32 was ordered to pay $100 and $5 restitution after he was caught stealing a $3 chicken burger and $2 lasagne from an IGA.

Taylor’s matter was heard in Gladstone Magistrate Court on Monday where he appeared via video while in custody.

Leigh Anthony Taylor was convicted on stealing charges in the Gladstone Magistrate Court on Monday April 4 2022. Picture: Supplied

Taylor pleaded guilty to one charge of stealing after he stole food from a Tin Can Bay IGA and made no attempt to pay for the items because he claimed he was hungry and had no money.

About 6pm on January 21, Taylor entered the IGA and approached the deli where the manager of the store served him a burger and lasagne.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Merrilyn Hoskins said arresting officers alleged Taylor then walked past the counter making no attempt to pay for the items.

Police located Taylor at the nearby skate park with empty wrappers inside his bag

Narrell Natalie Wozanna Harper was convicted on stealing charges in the Gladstone Magistrate Court on Monday April 4 2022. Picture: Supplied

Narrell Natalie Wozanna Harper, 42 also appeared in Gladstone Magistrate Court where she was fined $100 and ordered to pay $57.95 restitution after she pleaded guilty to stealing tobacco on Australia Day this year.

About 1.30pm on January 26, harper entered Woolworths at Gladstone Central and purchased tobacco product Port Royal RYO Raw, however, she claims she was handed the wrong product and asked for a refund.

Harper then claimed after the refund was processed onto her card that there was an issue and the money hadn’t returned to her account, but records show it had.

Police allege Harper was quoted as saying “I don’t have time for this” and then reached across the counter and took the original packet of tobacco.

Harper then left the store with the original tobacco she attempted to return and the refunded amount of $57.95.

Harper was contacted at her home by local police where she answered questions regarding the matter but denied the stealing allegation.

She was then arrested and transported to the Gladstone watch house before being released on bail.