Two shoplifters who carried out numerous raids on Nottingham stores have been handed prison sentences.
Rebecca Williams stole items from Co-op stores in Sherwood and Carrington on multiple occasions from 22 April until 25 May this year – including meat, cheese, chocolate and laundry products.
The 29-year-old from Nottingham, also stole cosmetic products from The V Spot, in Mansfield Road, Sherwood, on 6 April.
A court heard she has a long history of shoplifting offences stretching back to 2016 and that she committed the offences to fund her drug addiction.
Her latest stealing spree included £100 worth of cheese products taken from the Sherwood Co-op, in the space of just two days (24 and 25 May).
Williams was clearly identified on CCTV and could be named by staff members after every occasion. She was subsequently arrested and charged with 13 counts of theft.
Williams appeared before Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 26 May and was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to all charges.
She was also given a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), which prohibits her from entering the three stores, and ordered to pay £150 compensation.
Meanwhile, a second prolific shoplifter has also received a prison sentence.
Lindsay Gregory stole items from the Co-op at Bridgeway Centre, The Meadows, on 13 occasions between 3 April and 25 May this year – including meat, cheese, coffee and washing detergent.
The 37-year-old from The Meadows, also targeted the Co-op at Sneinton Dale on 21 and 22 May.
She also appeared before Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 26 May and was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to all charges. A four-month suspended prison sentence for previous offences was also activated, increasing the custodial sentence to 10 months.
Gregory was also given a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), which prohibits her from entering the two Co-op stores she targeted in her latest stealing spree.
Nottinghamshire Police worked with the Crown Prosecution Service to obtain the CBOs due to the persistence of the two shoplifters’ offending. CBOs are designed to tackle the most serious and persistent antisocial individuals where their behaviour has brought them before a criminal court.
Sergeant Louise Ellis, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Williams and Gregory are both well-known for shoplifting and could therefore be easily identified by staff who reported the incidents to us.
“This led to them being arrested, charged and put before the courts.
“Shoplifting is never a victimless crime and should not be dismissed as ‘low-level’ because of the negative impact it has on businesses.
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“I am therefore pleased with the custodial sentences as it shows business crime will not be tolerated. It also gives Williams and Gregory an opportunity to be supported out of their drug addiction cycle, which is the root cause of their offending.”