02/09/2026
🚨 Three prolific County Durham shoplifters jailed after repeatedly targeting same store
Three prolific shoplifters have been sent to prison after repeatedly stealing from the same Co-op in County Durham.
Joanna Scott, Catherine Parkin and Zara Hawkins were all involved in a series of thefts from the Easington Colliery Co-op, with stolen goods including chocolate, meat and coffee.
Police say the trio had been repeatedly arrested and brought before the courts following the offences.
Joanna Scott, 46, pleaded guilty to three shop theft offences and was sentenced to eight weeks in prison.
Catherine Parkin, 38, admitted seven thefts and seven breaches of a restraining order preventing her from entering the store. She was sentenced to eight months behind bars.
Zara Hawkins, 40, pleaded guilty to shop theft and breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order and received a 12-week prison sentence.
A fourth alleged prolific shoplifter, 36-year-old Aaron Kay, has also pleaded guilty to eight thefts from the same store. He has been remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on August 19.
Police say restraining orders will also be sought against all four.
Neighbourhood Inspector Mark Garfoot said shop theft is “not a victimless crime”, adding that officers would continue to target people repeatedly offending in local communities.
