A 33-year-old woman is to be sentenced for multiple thefts, breaches of orders and assaults.

Jodie Shea, formerly of Oakenhurst Road, Blackburn, was arrested and charged last week after officers received reports from businesses in the town about thefts.

Shea, was charged with five counts of theft from shops and stalls, seven breaches of a criminal beahviour order and two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker.

She was remanded into custody to appear before magistrates, where she pleaded guilty to all offences, and is awaiting sentencing on February 17.

A spokesperson for the police said: ""We know that shoplifting in Blackburn can cause immense distress to local businesses and residents.

"Given the hardships all businesses have faced over the past 22 months, we’re passionate about targeting those who are intent on committing this kind of criminality.

"Since we arrested and charged Jodie Shea, 33, for five theft from shops and stalls, seven breaches of criminal behaviour order and two assault by beating of an emergency worker. 

"She was also arrested for a live fail to appear theft warrant and a recall to prison.

"She has now been remanded into custody to await sentencing on February 17.

"We hope that this gives local businesses some reassurance that we will continue to work with them and take positive action against those who carry on offending."