Three sentenced for multiple shop theft offences in Norwich

Two men and a woman have been jailed for multiple shop thefts in Norwich.

Chelsea Townsend, aged 25 and of Dolphin Grove, Norwich admitted to seven counts of theft from a shop and three counts of breaching her Criminal Behaviour Order, which banned her from Co-op stores and other shops in Norwich.

Vinnie Peach, aged 30, and of Dolphin Grove, Norwich admitted to eight counts of theft from a shop, a public order offence and five counts of breaching his Criminal Behaviour Order, which banned him from numerous shops across Norfolk.

Marcus Callaby, aged 31, and of no fixed address, admitted seven counts of theft from a shop. 

It follows a series of incidents that occurred between 3 November to 17 December 2024 where numerous items have been stolen from shops across Norwich, including a hoover.

On one occasion, on the evening of 17 December 2024 at a shop on Chartwell Road, the trio have entered the store and picked up cheese, chocolate and laundry items and have left without paying. Upon trying to leave, Peach has been approached by someone in the store and threatened them.

All thefts were captured on CCTV.

Townsend, Peach and Callaby were arrested yesterday (Thursday 19 December) and taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning where they were later charged.

They all appeared at Norwich Magistrates’ Court this morning (Friday 20 December) where they were sentenced.

Townsend was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison, Peach was sentenced to 42 weeks in prison and Callaby was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison.

In addition, Callaby was handed a Criminal Behaviour Order banning him from all Co-op stores across Norfolk for three years.

Norwich Chief Inspector Ed Brown, said: “These are some of our most prolific shop theft offenders in Norwich who continue to commit offences in our city, which not only impacts shop workers, but also our local communities with the anti-social behaviour that often occurs alongside these offences. Our officers in Norwich will continue to work hard to bring these types of offenders to justice.”