Prolific thief jailed after committing 15 thefts in a single month

A prolific thief who has tormented Washington businesses is back behind bars after committing 15 thefts in a single month.

Julie Shields relentlessly targeted the town’s Sainsbury’s, Co-op and Asda Express stores during a shameless shoplifting spree between May 9 and June 4 this year.

The 40-year-old, who was jailed for eight weeks in April after being convicted of two counts of theft, was released back into the community on May 7 – and had already reoffended within 48 hours.

Now, after stealing more than £1,600-worth of goods within a four-week period, Shields has been hit with a six-month jail term in a bid to halt her selfish offending.

Shields, of no fixed abode, was also convicted of breaching a restraining order which forbids her from entering the Co-op in Concord.

Sergeant Patrick Scott, of Northumbria Police’s neighbourhood policing team in Washington, said: “This longer custodial sentence is likely to be music to the ears of businesses across the town.

“Julie Shields has relentlessly stole from supermarkets and stores across Washington, showing a total disregard for the law and others for entirely selfish means.

“Within two days of being released from prison for shoplifting offences, Shields proved she has not learnt by committing a string of further thefts – and I’m pleased that her escalating offending has been reflected with a six-month jail term.

“We will not tolerate criminality and Shields is a prolific offender who has been a drain on police resources for some time.

“I sincerely hope she uses this time to reflect on her actions, and use her time behind bars as an opportunity for a fresh start whenever she returns to the community.”

Shields’ conviction comes as Operation Dreyfus continues to make a positive impact in Washington.

The operation was launched earlier this year following an increase in vehicle-related crime and thefts across the town, which prompted concerns raised by a number of residents.

The fresh crime crackdown sees uniformed and plain-clothed officers – supported by the Force’s Roads Policing Team – carry out targeted patrols both day and night in hotspot areas.

That coincides with a robust front-footed response as the neighbourhood team continue to pursue perpetrators and target offenders who are causing the most harm to the local community.

In recent weeks, nine suspected thieves have been arrested following a range of warrants executed, with four of those now charged with various offences and due to appear before the courts.

Anyone who sees anything suspicious in their community should report it to police via this link - https://www.northumbria.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/soh/seen-or-heard/

In an emergency, or if a crime is taking place, always ring 999.