A prolific shoplifter in Swale has been sentenced to over three months in prison and will be subject to a strict Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) upon her release. Shelley Earnshaw, 31, of College Road, Sittingbourne, was sentenced to 100 days imprisonment after targeting local stores on multiple occasions.
Between 31 July and 16 August 2024, Earnshaw stole laundry products, toiletries, and meat worth a total of £264 from Morrisons in Milton Regis, Sittingbourne. She also targeted the Co-op in Aspen Drive, Sheerness, on two separate occasions, stealing multiple items by concealing them in her bag and leaving without paying.
Earnshaw was arrested and charged with seven counts of theft, to which she pleaded guilty at Medway Magistrates’ Court. Alongside her prison sentence, a Criminal Behaviour Order has been issued, which prevents Earnshaw from entering several specified shops in Swale and requires her to avoid behaviour that could cause distress to shop staff or the public. The order also stipulates that she must not enter any store with a bag unless it is clear or a small clutch handbag.
Police Sergeant Dan Bartlett commented on the case: “We are determined to deter prolific thieves from targeting local stores, as this can have a significant financial impact and cause distress to shop workers. Beat officers will investigate these incidents and ensure offenders are detained. We also seek Criminal Behaviour Orders in cases of persistent offending, which restrict an offender’s conduct upon release and allow us to take swift action if the conditions are breached.
The Criminal Behaviour Order is designed to prevent further offences and help protect local businesses from repeat offenders.
