Christina Middlemass, 28, of Epsom Road, Guildford, was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on July 5.

The thefts, usually of meat and alcohol, occurred at numerous supermarkets and other stores between January 7 and April 5.

On January 29, Middlemass attempted to steal £135 worth of meat from the Co-Op store on Woodbridge Hill when she was stopped by a staff member. Middlemass pushed the staff member several times and held her elbow to their throat in attempt to intimidate them.

On February 18, Middlemass attempted to steal a large amount of alcohol and meat from the Shell garage on Worplesdon Road. Two staff members managed to stop her, but she repeatedly threatened to kill them as she left the store.

Later the same day, Middlemass entered the Co-Op on Woodbridge Hill and stole a large amount of alcohol, dropping and breaking one of the bottles on the floor on her way out. When a staff member attempted to clear up the bottle, Middlemass picked up the broken glass and threatened them with it.

Middlemass continued to steal from shops around Guildford after she received a suspended sentence at Guildford Crown Court on  March 19 for similar offences.

The 31 offences Middlemass pleaded guilty to include:

• 27 counts of theft
• Two counts of public order
• Assault
• Failure to stop

PC Archie Wright, who investigated the incidents, said: “Middlemass was a nuisance to the Guildford community and had a flagrant disregard for the law. No one should have to feel unsafe or threatened in their place or work, or in their community, and I would like to encourage residents to report behaviour such as this to us whenever they can.”

For more information on how to report information to Surrey Police see: https://www.surrey.police.uk/ro/report/ .