24/12/2025
A woman who stole meat despite an indefinite ban from a Spalding store has been handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).
Helen Houghton entered the Aldi store on St Thomas Road at around 12.30pm on 20 November, making her way to the meat aisle. She placed three joints of beef, totalling a cost of between £36 to £60 each, into a white shopping bag. She then walked out of the store, past the point of payment, making no attempt to pay.
Aldi is part of the Shop Watch scheme, and the 55-year-old had an indefinite ban from the store but had entered, nonetheless.
Houghton, of Cross Place, Crowland, Peterborough, admitted the theft offence and was handed a CBO after appearing at Boston Magistrates’ Court on 17 December. A CBO is a court order issued after someone is convicted of any criminal offence. It is designed to stop persistent anti-social behaviour and protect the community. They frequently come with conditions to engage in substance or alcohol recovery activity with various partner agencies.
As part of the two-year order, Houghton:
➡️ must not enter any retail premises in the district of South Holland, with the exception of one store designated for groceries and one for medication
➡️ must not be in possesion of an open vessel of alcohol in a public place in the district of South Holland
➡️ must not attend Sheep Market, Hall Place or Market Place in Spalding
➡️ must engage with partner agencies as specified in the order
🗣️ South Holland's Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Corder said:
"Breaching these orders carries significant penalties. Our aim is that, by imposing them, individuals will engage with partner agencies to access the help and support they need, ultimately reducing offending. We act swiftly on any breaches. Overall, our team hopes that the orders, their restrictions, and the resulting reduction in street drinking will effectively prevent further criminal behaviour. Sanctions increase where adherence to conditions isn’t upheld."
📸 Pictured: Helen Houghton
