TWO prolific shoplifters in the local area have been convicted of multiple counts of theft relating to incidents in and around Bath.

Caroline Beaverstock and Samantha Selway, both 35, were arrested and charged by neighbourhood officers as part of ongoing efforts to tackle shop thefts in the city.

The women both pleaded guilty when they appeared before the magistrates court in Bath.

Beaverstock, of Combe Park, admitted to 30 counts of theft from a shop following incidents which took place between April and June.

She pleaded guilty at Bath Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, June 24, where she was given a 12-month conditional discharge and a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order.

The order bans her from entering several shops across the city and should this be breached, she will be brought back before the court.

Selway, of Loxton Road, was charged with four counts of theft from a shop in connection with incidents taking place earlier this month. She was also charged with one count of theft of a motor vehicle.

She appeared before the same court on Wednesday June 18 and was bailed for sentencing next month.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Tom Allwood-Coppin said: “We know the significant harm shoplifting causes to our businesses and we are committed to tackling these issues as these two cases show.

“Not only is there a financial impact on these businesses, but there’s also a wider impact on the whole community and we fully recognise that.

“We would always encourage any member of the public or business to report these incidents to us so we can take action.”

Police encourage residents to call 999 when a crime is ongoing. For anything else, residents can either call 101 or report it online through the Avon and Somerset Police website.