A pair of Aldi shoplifters were caught stealing four bottles of “knock-off Bailey’s” in a shameless crime spree in a market town.
Scott McSpadden, 39, and his partner Tanya Momot, 31, have been jailed for the first time after stealing hundreds of pounds of items from two major stores in Cambridgeshire.
The pair, who are one of the UK’s most prolific shoplifting couples, are banned from entering shops together.
The couple have a combined 120 criminal offences against their names, with 60 convictions for theft.
The couple have a combined 120 criminal offences against their names
Cambridge Constabulary
They also have Criminal Behaviour Order (CBOs), but they have, until now, managed to escape jail.
In their latest scheme, McSpadden was caught on camera walking into the supermarket and loading four bottles of the £19.96 liquor into a shopping bag.
He then quickly pulled a runner, with Momot, who was on look-out outside, proceeding to hold the door open for him.
A member of staff ran after them, but their attempts were futile.
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McSpadden enters the store
Cambridge Constabulary
The following day, the shoplifters continued their spree in a local B&M.
McSpadden and Momot stole nine hair straighteners, ten heated hairbrush sets and eight fruity bath fizzers worth a total of £197.71.
They have already been subject to orders banning them from parts of Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, a picturesque market town.
Momot is banned from entering the pedestrianised area of the Horsefair Shopping Centre in the town until June 2024.
McSpadden leaving the store
Cambridge Constabulary
McSpadden taking the bottles of liquor
Cambridge Constabulary
McSpadden is banned from the same area, except for Fairbrother Pharmacy, and from entering any store at the same time as Momot until September 2025.
The pair were arrested on December 18 and have now been jailed after appearing at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on December.
McSpadden was jailed for 28 weeks, whilst Momot was jailed for 16 weeks.
PC Sam Buswell, who investigated, said: “The local Neighbourhood Policing Team secured a CBO against McSpadden in September this year following repeated offending and issues being caused for retailers in the town, while Momot has had one in place for over a year.
“Both have repeatedly shown no regard for the law or the court orders imposed on them, and will now be spending their Christmas period in prison.”