Shoplifter's 'eye-watering' haul of Tesco cosmetics

A woman who stole an "eye-watering" amount of cosmetics from Tesco stores across the UK has been jailed.

Cristina Curt, 27, of Russell Street, Peterborough, was part of an organised shoplifting gang which stole £48,000 worth of stock last year.

Norfolk Police said her crime spree ended when she entered a store in King's Lynn on 12 October and was recognised by a security guard.

Curt pleaded guilty to 42 offences and was jailed for 18 months at Norwich Crown Court.

Police said her "items of choice" were cosmetics and healthcare items, including wart and nail treatments.

The majority of offences took place between April and September.

Curt's highest value single theft was worth more than £3,000, and her offending spanned 17 police force areas.

PC Alice Crome, who led the investigation, said: "Curt spent months travelling around the UK and was very much on the radar by the time she was caught in Norfolk.

"Thanks to the vigilance of the security guard on the day and the work of Tesco in analysing CCTV and circulating her image we have been able to drill down into her offending not just in Norfolk but across the country and bring her to justice."

Police said Curt admitted the majority of offences while working with the force's Operation Converter team, which encourages offenders to own up to other crimes.

Duncan Etchells, from the team, described Curt's offending as "eye-watering".

"By travelling large distances between the stores Curt believed she could remain under the radar," he said.

"Clearly this was not the case and Norfolk Police will continue to work with retailers to tackle retail theft and catch up with those who try to outfox us."

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