Eye Jellycat thief, 35, who stole soft toys worth £3,000 from garden centres in Bressingham, Wroxham and Thetford, avoids jail

A woman has been sentenced after stealing almost £3,000 worth of ‘Jellycat’ soft toys from garden centres across South Norfolk, Broadland, and Breckland.

Ruby Smith, 35, of Victoria Hill, Eye, appeared at Norwich Magistrates’ Court today charged with seven counts of theft from shops. She had pleaded guilty at a previous hearing.

The seven incidents of shoplifting happened between July 25 and September 23 last year at three different garden centres, in Bressingham, Wroxham, and Thetford.

CCTV footage captured Smith walking around the stores placing soft toys into either her bag, into her clothing, or into a child’s pram before leaving without making attempts to pay.

Officers from South Norfolk’s Neighbourhood Policing Team conducted a warrant at Smith’s address on November 14 following investigations into all incidents.

During the search, approximately 40 toys were located and seized.

Smith was arrested on suspicion of theft and taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

She was charged with seven counts of shoplifting and released on bail.

Appearing at Norwich Magistrates’ Court Smith was handed a 26 week prison sentence, suspended for 24 months.

She was also made subject of electronic monitoring for three months, ordered to pay £1,400 in compensation and a £154 victim surcharge.

Smith was also ordered to participate in an accredited programme for 40 days, and a rehabilitation activity programme for up to seven days.