A woman has been arrested after attempting to sell stolen goods at a restaurant in Swadlincote shortly after shoplifting from a nearby store.
Helena Hall allegedly entered the Home Bargains store at the Pipeworks and stole a large quantity of items, triggering an immediate response from store staff.
Staff confronted Hall and managed to recover some of the stolen items but faced threats, abuse, and physical assault. They promptly called the police, who arrived within a minute to search the area.
Officers James Whitney and Alex found Hall inside the Tall Chimney restaurant attempting to sell the stolen items to diners. Police said Hall became aggressive upon arrest, verbally abusing the officers and causing distress to nearby customers, including children.
When Hall refused to leave willingly, officers had to remove her by force. She attempted to headbutt officers during the incident, leading to an additional charge
A spokesperson for the police said: “Officers from SNT on patrol responded to a 999 call from staff at Home Bargains on the Pipeworks following a report that a shoplifter had entered the store and made off without paying for a large quantity of items.
“Staff from Home Bargains bravely confronted the offender and managed to recover some of the property. Whilst doing so, (they) were subject to threats and abuse before being assaulted. Officers were on scene within a minute and commenced a search of all areas and premises.
“On entering the Tall Chimney, James Whitney and Alex located the offender in the process of trying to sell the pile of stolen items to diners. The offender – Helena Hall was arrested with the remaining stolen goods being recovered.
“During the arrest, Hall verbally abused officers and caused alarm and distress to members of the public including small children inside the restaurant as she refused to leave with officers, resulting in Hall having to be physically removed. During her tirade of abuse, Hall attempted to headbutt officers and as a result, was further arrested.
“SNT worked with staff at Home Bargains to gather the evidence needed for Sgt Nizzer to authorise a charge and remand to prison. It was further discovered that Hall had been offending in Derby, Chesterfield, Nottingham, Staffordshire and Lincolnshire, however, her offending was brought to an abrupt end after arriving in Swadlincote and meeting the team.
“Hall was charged, remanded and pleaded guilty to Theft, Threatening behaviour, and assault on staff and on officers.”
