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Prolific Norwich Shoplifter Jailed

Thursday, 16 July 2026 11:04

A prolific shoplifter has been jailed for 16 months after committing a series of thefts and breaching a court order.

A prolific shoplifter has been jailed for 16 months following a crime spree across Norwich.

Chelsea Townsend, 26, of no fixed address, targeted a number of shops across the city, stealing items including meat and chocolate.

She was already subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order which banned her from entering any Co-op store in Norwich when the offences were committed.

Townsend appeared at Norwich Crown Court on Wednesday 15 July, where she was sentenced to 16 months in prison.

She had admitted eight shop thefts and six breaches of the Criminal Behaviour Order, which had originally been imposed in June 2024.

While in custody, Townsend also engaged with Norfolk Police’s Operation Converter, which investigates whether prolific offenders may be responsible for additional unsolved crimes.

She admitted a further 13 offences, which were taken into consideration by the court during sentencing.

That brought the total number of offences dealt with at the hearing to 27.

Norfolk Police described Townsend as a persistent offender who repeatedly targeted shops and ignored previous court orders.

Officers say they hope the prison sentence will mark a turning point and bring an end to her pattern of offending.

 

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