|
A prolific shoplifter will be spending Christmas behind bars after she was caught by the Welwyn Hatfield West Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT).
Jessica Power, aged 28, of Cunningham Avenue in Hatfield, was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison at Hatfield Magistrates’ Court on Saturday 22 November.
She pled guilty to a total of eight shoplifting offences in Hatfield, as well as two incidents of vehicle interference and a theft from a vehicle.
Sergeant Mitchell Cartwright, who leads the Welwyn Hatfield West Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This is great news for the local business community who were being affected by Power’s offending. Our officers worked hard to bring Power to justice and this should be a warning to others who think they can get away with shoplifting.
“We know the festive period can see an increase in shopliftings which is why we will be running a dedicated operation throughout December. Operation Hornet will see increased patrols aiming to deter shoplifting, arrest offenders and reassure local businesses.”
Chief Inspector Pete Frost added: “We take a strong stance against shoplifting and Operation Hornet will ensure that shoplifters cannot get away with their crimes.
“The operation will run alongside the countywide ‘Winter of Action’ campaign, which follows the success of the Safer Town Centres campaign which ran over summer. Shoppers, business owners and those enjoying the night-time economy can expect to see a heightened police presence in the town centres as we work to keep the community safe.”
Read more: https://www.herts.police.uk/news/hertfordshire/news/2025/december/shoplifter-behind-bars-for-christmas/
| 
