Littleport shoplifter banned from Co-ops

A Littleport shoplifter has been banned from Co-ops for two years.

Alison Edwards, 53, of Parsons Lane, Littleport, was handed the Criminal Behaviour Order, banning her from all Co-op stores in the town, at Huntingdon Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (16 July).

The order follows a conviction for shoplifting on the same day where she was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, after pleading guilty to 10 counts of theft.

Edwards stole items including alcohol and food from Waitrose in Ely and Co-op, in Main Street, Littleport, on 10 occasions between 1 June and 9 July.

PC Alex Thake, from the Spree Offender Team, said: “Shoplifting has a significant impact on businesses, staff and the wider community, and we will continue to take action against those who repeatedly commit these offences.

“This order has been put in place to prevent further offending and protect local retailers who have been affected by Edwards’ behaviour.

“We recognise that there can often be underlying issues which contribute to offending, and while that does not excuse criminal activity, we hope Edwards engages with the support available to her to help address those issues and prevent further offences in the future.”