Colchester shoplifter banned from all Co-op stores in Essex

Joanna Reynolds, of Thorpe Walk, Colchester, stole more than £3,500 worth of goods during a nine-month spree in and around the town.

She admitted 41 thefts between December 21, 2025, and September 29, 2026, stealing wine, coffee, chocolate, meat, alcohol, detergents and perfume.

On October 12, Colchester magistrates imposed a two-year criminal behaviour order banning her from every Co-op store in Essex.

She was also sentenced to 48 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months.

Inspector Martin Willsher said: "My officers recognise the impact that shop theft has, not only on retail staff and customers who witness such incidents but on the community as a whole.

"I am pleased Reynolds has been banned from all Co-op stores across the county for two years."

He said the order should give affected businesses and the wider community “respite”.

During her spree, Reynolds targeted BP Eastwood Service Station, Budgens, Co-op stores on Old Heath Road and Tamarisk Way, Cards Direct, Esso on Bergholt Road, Spar in Braiswick and Tesco.

Insp Wilsher added: “I hope this, combined with a suspended custodial sentence, will act as a significant deterrent and give her a chance to change her offending behaviour while providing respite to the businesses and communities affected by it; Colchester Neighbourhood Policing Team will do all we can to support businesses, prevent shop theft and ensure criminal behaviour orders are complied with.”

“When they are not, we will always seek to put offenders back before the courts.”

Breaching a criminal behaviour order can result in jail, as another Colchester shoplifter discovered after ignoring a previous ban.