Repeat cross-border shop thief jailed

A repeat cross-border shop thief has been jailed and banned from entering 12 stores in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Prolific offender Billy-Jean Summers targeted stores in Long Eaton and Sandiacre along with Chilwell and Wollaton in Nottinghamshire between 8th March and 5th April 2024.

The 32-year-old from Beeston in Nottingham, stole hundreds of pounds worth of chocolates and groceries from stores during her crime spree.

She was caught on CCTV committing the offences and following inquiries she was duly arrested by Nottinghamshire Police and charged.

Summers was sentenced at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on 10th April after she pleaded guilty to seven counts of theft. She was jailed for four months and made subject of a two-year criminal behaviour order.

This order stipulates that Summers must not enter the following stores/locations, as listed below, for a period of two years. If she breaches the conditions of this order, she will be arrested, returned to court, and face ending up back behind bars.

NIO Amy Statham, of the Long Eaton Safer Neighbourhood team, said: “It was really pleasing to have worked with our neighbouring Policing team in Beeston in this case, I would like to thank them for their hard work."

"Shop theft is not a victimless crime. Repeat incidents of this nature can cause significant distress to shop workers who shouldn’t have to feel dread and be fearful for their safety. This type of harmful behaviour will not be tolerated by Derbyshire Police"

"I hope recent prison sentences and criminal behaviour orders that have successfully been obtained in both Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire will send a strong message to other offenders that they will be caught and dealt with."