A woman has been jailed for shoplifting from supermarkets and shops in Welwyn Garden City.

Oprea Alexandra, of Spurcroft in Luton, appeared at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday,  November 30, where she was sentenced to 16 weeks imprisonment for three counts of shoplifting in Welwyn Garden City and Birmingham, failing to surrender to court for bail, and failing to answer court bail as soon as practicable.

She was also issued a £200 fine to pay John Lewis.

The 19-year-old had been arrested in Sainsbury’s in Welwyn Garden City, on Friday, April 28, alongside a second woman.

Maria Lazar, 23, of Celandine Drive in Luton, was also charged with four counts of shoplifting in Welwyn Garden City, failing to surrender to court for bail, and failing to answer court bail as soon as practicable.

Lazar failed to appear at court and is now wanted for sentencing.

"We are pleased that a prolific shoplifter is off the streets as we head into the busy Christmas season," said Sergeant Robert Wilson, from the Safer Neighbourhood Team.

"We know that shoplifting is a concern to local businesses so hopefully this result is reassuring.

"We currently have increased police patrols in Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield town centres as part of Operation Bauble, our targeted operation which aims to tackle shoplifting.

"We will continue taking action against those who think it is acceptable to steal."