29/05/2026
A serial shoplifter has been jailed just weeks after receiving a suspended sentence for theft.
Natalie Sawyer, 40, of Argyle Street, Radford admitted stealing on nine occasions between 26 March and 23 May.
The offences were committed whilst she was on release from prison on licence, having previously been convicted of other shoplifting offences.
Despite being subject to strict conditions, Sawyer was caught on CCTV stealing from stores in Nottingham city centre, Radford, Lenton and Castle Marina.
Among the businesses she targeted were Tesco Express, Sainsbury's Local, Savers and Homesense.
She was arrested after being tracked down by PCSO Emily Fisk and PCSO Simon Morris, who are part of our City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team.
At Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (27 May), Swayer admitted nine shoplifting offences – adding to the 34 previous convictions on her record for theft and other offences since 2020.
On this occasion, magistrates sentenced her to 12 weeks in prison.
She must also pay compensation to the stores she targeted.
PC Phil Yates, who specialises in tackling retail crime, said: "Swayer has been a prolific offender in Nottingham and demonstrated a clear disregard for the law.
"This is despite being offered access to a raft of support measures designed to help offenders break the cycle of addition and crime.
"Sadly Sawyer has refused to engage with these programmes and has now found herself back behind bars, having committed a string of further shop thefts.
"We recognise the impact that this offending has on local businesses and so we will continue catching offenders like Sawyer and ensure they are prosecuted."
The sentencing follows the launch of Op Reclaim, a partnership approach to relentlessly targeting criminals who use the city centre to commit crime.
We are using the Home Office tactic called Clear, Hold, Build, where we make the environment as hostile as possible for criminals to operate and ensure the vacuum cannot be filled once they are arrested and charged.
As part of the scheme, a survey has been launched to find out where the public would like us to pool our resources to improve safety in the city centre.
The survey closes on June 19. To take part, please visit: https://orlo.uk/EEDW0