Woman jailed after series of Newport shoplifting raids

A woman from St Georges has been jailed for six months following a string of thefts from a high street chemist in Newport.

Samantha Baxter, 49, of Malcolm Davies Drive, appeared before Telford Magistrates’ Court on 5 February to face seven counts of theft.

The court heard that Baxter targeted the Boots store on multiple occasions between January 2025 and January 2026.

Items taken during the spree included skincare serums, dental products, and razors, with the total value of the stolen goods reaching approximately £2,200.

One of the largest hauls took place on 24 January this year, when skincare and other products worth £600 were taken.

Baxter pleaded guilty to all charges, and the court heard the offences were committed while she was subject to a suspended sentence.

Magistrates sentenced her to 26 weeks in prison, noting that the offences were so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified.