A shoplifter has been jailed after she was arrested by officers who were carrying out a proactive patrol in Aldershot.

Officers from the Hart and Rushmoor Priority Crime Team spotted 32-year-old Abbie Folkes leaving the Sainsbury’s store on Ash Road on Wednesday 5 March. She tried to run away, but was detained nearby.

Following a search, officers found a number of stolen goods from the Sainsbury’s store and Iceland products from The Range on Ivy Road.

Folkes, of East Street, Farnham, was arrested at the scene was later charged with two counts from theft from a shop and breaching a criminal behaviour order.

She pleaded guilty to all offences at Basingstoke Magistrates Court on 6 March and was jailed for 24 weeks.

A/Police Sergeant Daniel Eaves, from the Hart and Rushmoor Priority Crime Team, said: “Our officers were on patrol when we spotted suspicious activity on Ash Road.

“Abbie Folkes is a prolific offender and attempted to run away from officers. We quickly caught up with her and found a number of stolen goods.

“We know her actions have had a huge impact on businesses, shop workers and the wider community.

“We take all reports of shoplifting extremely seriously and I hope this result reassures the local community that we will do all we can to put offenders before the courts.”