A homeless woman has been locked up for nearly a year after a crime spree across Reading. Chloe Keates, 30, was handed a 59-week jail term following a Thames Valley Police probe.
Crime Spree Sees Keates Jailed
At Reading Crown Court on 22 December 2025, Keates pled guilty to a shocking series of offences:
- 7 counts of theft
- 6 counts of burglary
- 5 breaches of a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO)
- 1 count of assault
- 1 breach of bail
The crimes spanned from 6 July to 1 November 2025, with Keates hitting multiple businesses in Reading town centre.
Violence Erupts in Package Theft
Keates didn’t stop at shoplifting. She broke into apartment lobbies on Garrard Street and South Street too. On 19 August, she was caught stealing packages from a Garrard Street block. When a resident confronted her, Keates shoved them out of the way and made a getaway.
Police Crack Down on Serial Offender
Police Investigator Elle Read said: “This is a prolific offender in the Reading area.”
She added:
“Thames Valley Police have worked hard to secure all evidence and bring justice to our victims. We urge anyone affected by crimes like these to come forward. Thames Valley Police are committed to tackling prolific offenders robustly.”
If you have any information about crimes, contact Thames Valley Police at 101, via their website, or report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
