Prolific Gosport shoplifter jailed after assaulting staff

Linzi Wratten, of South Street, Gosport, stole coffee and meat worth £31.96 from Farmfoods in Gosport on November 4.

Later that day, she assaulted three female staff members at Co-op on Forton Road while she attempted to steal steaks and coffee worth £79.95.

Previously on October 25, the 38-year-old shoplifted £75 worth of fish and meat from Waitrose on Stoke Road.

Wratten was arrested and later charged with two counts of assault by beating, one count of common assault, two counts of theft from a shop and one count of attempted theft from a shop.

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She pleaded guilty to all offences and was jailed for four months on November 5.

Sergeant Rhys McCarthy, from the Gosport Neighbourhoods Policing Team, said: “We know the impact Linzi Wratten’s actions had on businesses, shop workers and the wider community in Gosport.

“Not only did Wratten steal from shops, she also assaulted members of staff when they had a right to feel safe at their place of work.

“Our message is clear – shoplifting and this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated in Gosport.”

Wratten was also given a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) which prevents her from entering any retail/business premises that she is banned from.

She must also place all items into baskets or trolleys and present means to pay for good upon request – being forced to leave the premises immediately if asked to do so.

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Sgt McCarthy continued: “She has now been jailed and will have strict CBO conditions imposed on her when she is released.

“Please continue to report incidents like this to us as we will do all we can to put those responsible before the courts.

“We will look at all options available to us, including CBOs, in our relentless pursuit of criminals.”

She pleaded guilty to all offences at Portsmouth Magistrates Court.