Two prolific shoplifters stole thousands of pounds worth of items in dozens of raids targeting the same stores.

Joe Brown, 34, and Rachel Clark, 33, repeatedly hit branches of the Co-Op in Norwich to steal everything from energy drinks and coffee to scented candles and hundreds of pounds worth of chocolate and confectionery.

Norwich Magistrates’ Court was told on some days they had targeted the same branch in Hall Road multiple times. 

Joe Brown (pictured in 2021) was jailed for 18 counts of shop theftJoe Brown (pictured in 2021) was jailed for 18 counts of shop theft (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

The pair were eventually arrested after analysis of shop CCTV and store security staff recognising them as repeat offenders.

READ MORE: Shoplifters jailed after repeat raids which included taking 'huge amounts of coffee'

Brown, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to 18 charges of shop theft between May 19 and October 2 this year.

On 16 occasions he stole from Co-Op stores on Hall Road or Aylsham Road, though he also walked off without paying from Sainsbury’s on Queen’s Road and Next on Hay Hill in the city centre.

The Co-Op on Hall Road was some times targeted multiple times on the same dayThe Co-Op on Hall Road was sometimes targeted multiple times on the same day (Image: Google)

Clark, of Bishopbridge House, admitted 20 counts of shop theft mainly at the Co-Op but also branches of Boots, Savers and Next.

Josephine Jones, prosecuting, said both had a “very, very lengthy list of previous convictions” and had both been jailed in recent months for shoplifting offences.

She said losses at the stores had run into the thousands and that their offending was “serious and pernicious” with the Co-Op nationally losing millions in losses due to shop thefts. 

READ MORE: 'Poundland Bonnie and Clyde' jailed for shoplifting crime spree

Magistrates jailed Brown for 18 weeks saying his “sporadic engagement” with previous court orders and lack of a permanent address meant he was unsuitable for a community punishment.  

Rachel Clark was given a community order after admitting 20 shop theftsRachel Clark was given a community order after admitting 20 shop thefts (Image: Newsquest)

Clark was sentenced to an 18 month community order including a 12 week curfew and 30 days of rehabilitation.  

The court was told prosecutors would be seeking a community behaviour order banning both from a number of shops. 

Julie Adams, who represented both, said they were stealing to fund long-term drug dependencies. 

She said Clark was engaging with support services to address her addiction.