Police are hunting for a ‘brazen sex toy thief’ as an adult store owner counts the mounting cost shoplifters are having on her small business.
Helen Shepherd, who owns Sinsins Boutique of Love in Norwich, says she has had about £2,000 worth of stock stolen this year. And she wants thieves to know she’s not a soft touch.
In the latest incident suffered by Sinsins, Helen alleges that a blonde woman walked into her store – and dashed out with a stash of intimate items, worth £210. The haul included a £45 Pillow Talk Racy G-Spot Vibrator, a £55 Rabbit Vibrator and a £110 We-Vibe Jive Vibrator.
Helen, 53, raged: “I understand there’s been a cost-of-living crisis but this isn’t food or formula for someone’s child. I’m not going to let this woman get away with it – I’m definitely not expecting to get the sex toys back, but it’s the principle.
“I want any other potential thieves to know that I’m not a soft touch.”
Helen has now released CCTV images of the incident in a bid to deter hardened criminals. Helen, who’s owned the shop for four and a half years, said: “This person has brazenly targeted a small business.”
“I’ve had a lot stolen this year. In total, I think I’ve had about £2,000 worth of stock stolen this year alone.”
A spokeswoman for Norfolk Constabulary confirmed: “The incident occurred on Saturday at 3.12 pm when three items were stolen from a premises in St Benedict’s Street, Norwich.”
