A 37-year-old woman from Teignmouth has been locked up for 16 months after a string of brazen thefts and drug offences in South Devon.
Repeated Wine Heists at Tesco Express
Lucy Hanks, of Bitton Park Road, pleaded guilty at Exeter Crown Court to multiple charges including four thefts, breaching a suspended sentence and court orders, and possession of methadone.
Her spree kicked off in March 2024 when she stormed into a Tesco Express in Teignmouth, swiping 17 bottles of wine, stashing them in bags and walking out without paying. Not content with just one grab, she returned minutes later in the same outfit and snatched another 17 bottles.
The pilfered booze, worth over £300, was all caught on CCTV.
Ignoring Bail, Back for More
Despite strict bail terms banning her from Tesco Express, Hanks showed incredible nerve and struck again on 7 April, stealing food items and making off without paying.
Methadone Find During Police Arrest
Things worsened for Hanks when officers arrested her on 30 October at Tesco Extra in Kingsteignton following a domestic incident. A search revealed she was in possession of methadone without a prescription.
Police Praise Tough Sentence
Neighbourhood Beat Manager Robbie Mangham said, “Hanks continued to target and steal from the same shop regardless of the conditions imposed upon her. Her crimes affected shop staff and show her to be a persistent and significant shoplifter. We welcome the sentence imposed by the court and it shows that we will continue to crack down on shoplifting within our community.”
Police Urge Businesses to Report Theft
Police are calling on local businesses to report shoplifting incidents via 101, online, or by ringing 999 in emergencies. The crackdown aims to protect retailers and stamp out repeat offenders causing misery in the community.
