A habitual shoplifter at the Co-op in Julian Road in Bath has been jailed for a total of 12 months by magistrates.
Caroline Beaverstock | Photo © Avon & Somerset Police
Caroline Beaverstock appeared in custody at Bath Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 30th July to admit 26 offences.
The 35-year-old had been convicted in June of 30 thefts for which she had received a 12-month conditional discharge and was given a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) banning her from entering several shops across the city.
She had been warned that if should this was breached, she would be brought back before the court.
Beaverstock, of Combe Park at Weston, breached the CBO 13 times – on 16th July, three times on 18th July, on 20th July, twice on 21st July, again on 22nd July, twice on 23rd July and on 24h, 27th and 28th July.
She also admitted 13 thefts from the store over that period. On 16th July she took two barbecue kebabs worth £18.50 and on 18th July there were three separate thefts – of five jars of coffee worth £35.88; four bacon kebabs £26.50; and four bacon and cheese turnovers worth £9.
On 20th July, she took two sandwiches, a bottle of Lucozade and a can of Red Bull worth £10.75. On 21st July she stole a can of Red Bull and a bottle of Lucozade worth £4.15 and on a separate occasion that day a sandwich worth £3.30.
On 22nd July Beaverstock stole two tubs of ice cream worth £11.30, followed the next day by a can of Red Bull worth £2.25 and later an eight-pack of Dr Pepper cans worth £3.75. The next day she shoplifted two tiramisu gelatos worth £9.50.
On 27th July she stole pork pies worth £2.45 and finally on 28th July she stole two sandwiches, a bottle of Lucozade and a can of energy drink worth £9.50.
She was arrested outside the shop on 29th July and brought before the court in custody the following day.
The court heard that Beaverstock has had a “negative peer influence” and been forced to steal by an individual as she had not wanted them to break up with her.
The magistrates were also told that she suffers from bipolar and EUPD (emotionally unstable personality disorder) and misuses substances; she has a care coordinator for mental health support and struggles with structured intervention, but was prepared to undertake rehab.
Beaverstock was also under a community order, having been convicted previously of racially aggravated behaviour, criminal damage and assault.
Magistrates jailed her to “protect the public” and because of her “persistent and flagrant disregard for the law”.
When she comes out of prison, she will have to pay a surcharge of £187 but magistrates made no order for court costs or compensation.
Neighbourhood Sergeant Tom Allwood-Coppin said: “Beaverstock is a persistent offender and her repeated shoplifting is having a significant impact on businesses in Bath.
“It’s something we’re taking incredibly seriously and is one of our main areas of focus.
“Criminal Behaviour Orders are an important tool in helping us deal with prolific offenders. The breaches of her order have meant she’s now been handed a significant prison sentence.”
