The total value of the goods stolen was more than £2,273
Zoe Greaves admitted 11 offences of shop theft and three of breaching a criminal behaviour order(Image: Humberside Police)
A drug-addicted woman carried out “career-level” shop thefts by repeatedly targeting stores – despite a criminal behaviour order designed to stop her thieving antics, Hull Crown Court heard. Serial offender Zoe Greaves, 34, of Irenes Avenue, west Hull, but recently in custody on remand, admitted 11 offences of shop theft and three of breaching a criminal behaviour order.
Stephen Welch, prosecuting, said that the criminal behaviour order was made on February 16 this year and it banned Greaves from stores including a Tesco Express shop but she went there again and stole items three more times, in breach of the order. She had convictions for 74 previous offences.
The thefts included four offences at B&Q at Stoneferry, Hull, on May 18 and 22 and on June 21 and July 21, stealing items valued at £450, £135, £123 and £645. She also stole washing products, valued at £40, from Boyes at North Point shopping centre, Bransholme, on July 15.
Greaves stole sweets and toys from Tesco Express in Chamberlain Road, Hull, and items, valued at £110 and £330, from TK Maxx at Kingswood, Hull, on July 31 and August 1. She stole three times from Tesco Express in Monks Way, Hull, where she was banned, on August 15, 17 and 28, with hauls valued at £200, £40 and £200.
“It’s career-level theft,” said Mr Welch. “It’s repeatedly targeting the same stores as well. It’s serious.” The total value of the goods stolen was more than £2,273.
Jazmine Lee, mitigating, said that mother-of-two Greaves began offending about four years ago. “She has found herself in the throes of a drug addiction,” said Miss Lee.
“It’s a difficult pattern for people like her to break. A period in custody has helped her gain some much-needed clarity of thought. She realises that she is not helping herself.
“She understands that this a pattern that she now desperately wants to break and it’s no life for her or her family. She has been offered a job with her sister. Her sister has a cleaning business.
“She has to accept that the court has given her numerous chances and she hasn’t always taken them. It’s a persistent breach.”
Recorder Brian Whitehead told Greaves: “It’s professional, well organised stealing. This is a recognised and serial problem for shops. Clearly, this is a serious and persistent breach.
“You have shown that you will simply carrying on breaching. These are serious offences. Court orders aren’t made for fun. They are made to be complied with.”
Greaves was jailed for 16 months. The criminal behaviour order will continue until February 16, 2030.