Prolific shoplifter jailed following crime spree in Worthing
Joanne Cook stole more than ÂŁ6,500 worth of stock across 17 separate thefts
A shoplifter has been jailed for 17 thefts in Worthing.
Joanne Cook was sentenced to 52 weeks’ imprisonment when she appeared before Crawley Magistrates’ Court on 5 June for the 17 incidents and for activating a suspended sentence.
Cook was sentenced to 26 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 24 months when she appeared before Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 27 April for six shoplifting offences between 10 April and 26 April.
She activated her suspended sentence when it was heard she stole a total of ÂŁ6672.07 worth of stock across 17 different incidents spanning between 4 March and 1 June.
Items included food, jewellery and alcohol.
The shops Cook targeted in her shoplifting spree are:
- Sainsbury’s, Lyons Farm, Sompting
- Paydens Pharmacy, Broadwater
- Tesco Express, Goring Road,
- Co-op, Test Road, Sompting
- Co-op, Tarring Road
- Tesco, Dominion Road
Cook, 35, of no fixed address, was arrested on 4 June and later charged with 17 counts of shoplifting, 5 counts of breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order.
The conditions of her CBO are:
- Not to remain on any retail premises within the county of Sussex after being asked to leave
- Not to enter any co-op in Sussex
- Not to enter Sainsbury’s, Lyons Farm
- Not to enter any Tesco store in West Sussex
- Not to enter Morrisons Daily, Broadwater Road
- Not to enter Martins / McColls, Broadwater
- Not to enter Paydens Pharmacy.
She pleaded guilty to all 17 offences.
Sergeant Andy Bryant said: “This is a brilliant result for a prolific shoplifter in Worthing.
“There was a lot of hard work from our teams to secure this sentence for Cook and I am delighted with the outcome to curb her offending.
“No shop worker should have to deal with theft, and Sussex Police has a stern stance on business crime. We will arrest, charge and put suspects before the courts.
“Retail crime is hugely impactful to businesses and we will aim to ensure we crack down on thieves like Cook.”
Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “Thanks to the robust work of Sussex Police and their dedicated Business Crime Team, another prolific shoplifter has been taken off our streets.
“Despite having previously been imprisoned and subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order, this thief thought she could get away with another huge shoplifting spree that cost thousands and caused distress to staff and customers.
“The arrest and charge of the offender sends a clear message to others who steal from retailers in Sussex – you will not get away with it. Our improved approach between shops and the police means it is only a matter of time until you will be caught.”