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Sunday, 5 April 2020

Temporary Respite for Devon and Cornwall Retailers


Retailers in Devon and Cornwall can breathe a collective sigh of relief as one of the area's most prolific shop thieves is back behind bars.

Ria Moore, 39, of Redhill Close, Exeter, admitted two charges of theft and being in breach of a community order when she appeared at Newport (South Wales) Magistrates' Court last week.

We have previously written a brief guide to the offence of theft.

Magistrates heard that Moore, who has numerous previous convictions for theft and kindred offences, targeted two shops in Newport city centre during an excursion to south Wales.


She stole perfume valued at £445.50 from Debenhams in Friars Walk Shopping Centre and clothing valued at £43.20 from Primark on Commercial Street.

The offences took place on 20th March 2020, just a few days before the Government imposed movement restrictions in response to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

Moore was already subject to a lengthy community order in relation to several theft offences committed in Devon and Cornwall.

Magistrates heard that she had failed to engage with probation requirements and had continued to reoffend on a regular basis.

Moore was sentenced to 34 weeks' custody and ordered to pay £122 victim surcharge and £85 towards prosecution costs.

There was no application for compensation, as all of the stolen goods were recovered.

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