Grandma Avoids Jail for Jellycat Toy Theft Wants to Spoil Grandkids

A grandma almost went to jail after she shoplifted Jellycat toys worth £440. She said she wanted to spoil her grandkids. Linda Adams, aged 63, stole about 20 toys because her daughters had babies close together. This happened at Sefton Magistrates’ Court.

Linda and Peter Allen, 65, were arrested after CCTV showed them stealing toys and stuffing them into bags. The thefts occurred at Waterstones stores in Southport and Birkenhead. Police released them while investigating, but Allen stole more toys later, taking £240 worth from Waterstones in Warrington.

Adams and Allen admitted theft. They each got fined £80, and Allen got another £80 fine earlier for the Warrington thefts. They also each paid £85 and £220.39.

The judge, Delyth Hargreaves, spoke about their history while giving them credit for pleading guilty fast. They did not need to pay a surcharge but had to pay compensation first.

Jellycat started in London in 1999 and now sells toys in 77 countries. The US started carrying Jellycat in 2001. The website shows toy prices; a bunny costs £13, and a giant head costs £200.

Thieves target Jellycats now to resell them online, as the toys are quite popular. Andrew Page, the prosecutor, described the theft, which happened May 25, 2024, when they went to Waterstones in Southport.

Page said Adams had bags, while Allen chose toys worth £229.89 and hid them in the bags. They left without paying in six minutes. They stole again the next day at Waterstones in Birkenhead, taking £210.90 worth of toys.

A police officer watched CCTV and recognized the couple stealing. Adams admitted to the thefts, saying the toys were for granddaughters and Allen was with her. She didn’t know the prices, and Allen encouraged her.

Adams had mental health issues and felt ashamed. Allen also admitted to the thefts, stating he stole for the grandkids and encouraged Adams. He felt it was stupid and also struggled with mental health.

Marcella Slater defended Adams, stating that Adams struggled with money, getting £300 a month that later went up to £700. As she can’t work, she gets more aid and also applied for PIP. Her daughters had babies close by, and she couldn’t afford gifts, so she gifted the stolen toys while Allen egged her on, said Slater.