A woman has pleaded guilty to 11 counts of shoplifting in Reading after repeatedly targeting a Co-Op.

Kylie Abery, aged 34, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty at a hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, November 4.

Between September 9 and October 29 this year, the Co-operative store in London Road, Reading, was targeted by Abery, with a "significant amount" of goods being stolen from the store on each occasion.

Abery ransacked part of the store, making off with goods from within.

All of the offences occurred during the day.

Following an investigation, Abery was arrested on Friday, November 3 and charged the following day.

Appearing in court, Abery admitted to 11 offences and she was bailed to reappear at the same court for sentencing on December 15.

Investigating officer PC Vince Moore, the neighbourhood officer for Reading Town Centre, said: “Shoplifting has had a significant impact in Reading and other towns around the country.

“It is far from being a victimless crime and businesses suffer great financial loss from such offending, and in the cases for which Abery has been convicted, she has caused the store not just financial loss, but also causing huge inconvenience and anguish to the store and their staff, who were targeted on numerous occasions.

“We know that shoplifting is a massive issue, and we are absolutely committed to tackling this and bringing offenders to justice.

“Abery is a prolific offender, and she will now rightly be held to account for her actions.

“I hope this conviction will ensure others who feel it’s acceptable to take what is not theirs to reconsider their actions, as we will pursue you, charge you and put you before the courts to face justice.