Shoplifting pair targeted stores across the East Midlands

Two shoplifters have been sentenced by the courts after targeting supermarkets across the East Midlands.

Amanda Cunningham and Gemma Beeby targeted Tesco stores on multiple occasions between March and July last year – stealing approximately £15,000 worth of products.

The two friends also stole alcohol and detergent from a Sainsbury’s store in Kimberley on 1 June 2023.

Nottingham Crown Court heard Cunningham, 44, usually entered stores alone and filled trolleys with a large number of spirits. She then removed security tags and left without paying.

Meanwhile her accomplice Beeby, 39, waited outside and was the getaway driver. 

The pair targeted stores in Alfreton, Clowne, Hucknall, Kettering, Kimberley, Mansfield, Mickleover and Oakham between 16 March and 3 July 2023.

The worst day of offending took place on 13 June, when £1,403.35 of alcohol was stolen from the Tesco Express store in Jubilee Way South, Mansfield.

The court heard the pair – both from Nottinghamshire – mostly stole alcohol, but that other products including meat, clothing and health products were also taken.

On two occasions, Cunningham assaulted staff who approached her in the aisle after identifying her as a known shoplifter.

Cunningham, of Stansfield Street, Lenton, and Beeby, of Comet Drive, Eastwood, were caught after a dossier of evidence was gathered by Nottinghamshire Police.

They were arrested and put before the courts.

Cunningham pleaded guilty to 18 counts of theft, three attempted thefts and two common assaults. At a sentencing hearing on Friday (19 January), she was given an 18-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months. She was ordered to complete a nine-month drug rehabilitation programme and 20 days of a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement – and warned she could be sent to prison if she failed to comply.  

Beeby admitted 12 thefts and was given a 12-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months. She must complete 25 days of a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and was also warned that failure to attend could result in her going to prison.

Both defendants were also told to pay a £187 victim surcharge.

PC Dave Myers, of the Nottingham City Centre Operation Reacher Team, which led the investigation, said:

“I’d like to thank the staff at the various stores for their assistance in putting Cunningham and Beeby before the courts. In Cunningham’s case, not only did she steal thousands of pounds worth of products, she also assaulted staff who challenged her in the aisle.

“Shop staff go to work to pay their way in society, earn a living and provide good customer service. They absolutely do not deserve to fall victim to such selfless and brazen criminality.

“We do all we can to put shoplifters like Cunningham and Beeby before the courts. They may have thought they could act without repercussions but they were wrong.”