A prolific shoplifter who repeatedly targeted stores in Norwich has avoided jail after magistrates were told she was the victim of exploitation. 

Rebecca Hope, 47, pleaded guilty to 10 shop thefts and asked for another five to be taken into consideration.

Norwich Magistrates’ Court was told goods worth more than £1,100 had been taken in the multiple thefts between March and July.

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Sally Harris, prosecuting, said five bottles of fragrance worth in excess of £500 had been stolen from John Lewis on April 14 and 16. 

She had also stolen clothing worth £340 from Fat Face on Gentleman’s Walk and numerous items from Boots on London Street worth £122.

Other stores hit included Tesco on Unthank Road, where she was caught on CCTV hiding large chocolate bars in a bag, and branches of the Co-Op in Hall Road and Unthank Road.

Hope admitted breaching orders banning her from Johnson Place and Vauxhall StreetHope admitted breaching orders banning her from Johnson Place and Vauxhall Street (Image: Newsquest)

Hope, of Music House Lane in Norwich, also admitted two breaches of a closure orders imposed at properties in Johnson Place and Melbourne Cottages, sheltered housing in Union Street, due to anti-social behaviour.

She also pleaded guilty to breaking a community protection notice that bans her from entering Vauxhall Street. 

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Maya Lal, mitigating, said she had a history of substance misuse and mental health issues linked to past traumas that had seen her become the victim of cuckooing and exploitation. 

“She is an extremely vulnerable individual. The breaches are linked to her housing situation and where she feels safe,” she said. 

“She has a network of people with whom she feels safe and where she tends to go to which is when the breaches occur.”

Magistrates made her subject of an 18 month community order including a requirement to complete 15 rehabilitation days.  

“We are stepping back from custody given your vulnerabilities and your guilty pleas,” they said.

She was also ordered to pay compensation totalling £220.