Cambs woman, 27, jailed after shoplifting spree

Her spree began in late February

A 27-year-old woman has admitted to a string of thefts in a Cambridgeshire city. Charlene Monks began her spree in late February 2026, by stealing from Asda, in Rivergate, Peterborough on three separate occasions.

On March 1, Monks, of no fixed address, entered the Co-op, in Waterhouse Way, Hampton Gardens, Peterborough, and went to the checkout to buy alcohol and cigarettes. However, before paying, Monks grabbed the items, now in a carrier bag, and ran out the shop.

Her final theft was at Sainsbury’s in Oxney Road, Parnwell, Peterborough, on March 2, and she was later arrested on March 19.

Monks admitted the thefts, together with two in Southend-on-Sea in Essex, at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on Friday, March 20. She was jailed for a year after a suspended sentence imposed in January for shoplifting was activated. The court also ordered Monks to pay £1311.41 in compensation.

PC Sam Malton, who investigated, said: “Monks decided to continue offending after arriving in Peterborough, with no regard for the impact her actions would have on the businesses and their staff.

“I urge businesses to continue reporting offences to us, regardless of value, as it helps us to identify those involved and put them before the courts.”