A prolific shoplifter, who targeted the same high street shops, has avoided jail. 

Elizabeth Young of Blandford Crescent in Chingford admitted going on a theft spree over four days in May this year, and in September where she stole a £147 power drill from B&Q in Leyton Mills Retail Park.

The 34-year-old targeted Wilkinson's store in Walthamstow High Street between May 21 and 29 where she stole two cans of deodorant and a value coffee machine worth £12.

On May 24, she was caught stealing a £70 microwave but then returned five days later and stole the same-branded microwave again. 

Late last month, Young admitted a separate offence of handling stolen goods after she tried to sell on electrical and perfume items stolen from Boots, Superdrug and Maplin. 

The Thierry Mugler gift box, two electric toothbrushes and bluetooth Sennheisser headphones were worth £325. 43

Appearing for sentencing today at Thames Magistrates Court, Young was given an eleven week suspended sentence for 12 months and ordered to pay £95 compensation and costs of £85.