Prolific shoplifter who targeted Coventry store despite being banned has been jailed

A prolific shoplifter who repeatedly targeted a Coventry convenience store despite being banned from entering has been jailed.

Devon Price carried out seven shop thefts – and attempted another – inside a week even though she was on a suspended prison sentence for three similar offences at the time.

The 32-year-old from Coventry mainly targeted the Co-Op in Tile Hill Lane between 23 January – 29 January which was in breach of her licence conditions following previous convictions.

The West Midlands Police’s local offender management unit helped to promptly identify Price as the prime suspect, and working alongside the Woodlands, Wainbody, Westwood and Whoberley neighbourhood team, she was arrested earlier this week.

Price admitted the latest charges and was sentenced to seven months imprisonment at the city’s magistrates court on Tuesday (30 January). She was also ordered to serve the three month suspended sentence so was jailed for a total of 10 months.

“As part of our newer, more local, policing model our teams are working together to prevent and tackle crime”, a police statement read.

“Using local officer knowledge we are able to identify suspects, and any emerging trends or hotspots quicker.

“We fully understand the impact and frustration of shoplifting on businesses of all sizes, it’s a crime which can affect livelihoods.

“We routinely carry out high visibility patrols in retail areas, along with activity, to trace and catch offenders.”