Tingrong He in court for Woolworths theft at Yeppoon Central

A Central Queensland woman who stole from a store in the same shopping centre where she worked has faced court where a magistrate noted the “prevalence” of cost-of-living crimes.

Tingrong He was sentenced in Yeppoon Magistrates Court.

A woman who committed a brazen theft at the Yeppoon shopping centre where she worked, has faced court.

Tingrong He, 28, pleaded guilty in Yeppoon Magistrates Court to shoplifting.

The court heard on August 21, He attended Woolworths at Yeppoon Central Shopping Centre and concealed $117.70 worth of items from the store in her shopping trolley.

Police prosecutor Claudia Neill-Ballantine said He then left the store making no attempt to pay.

Staff notified police who detained the worker.

Tingrong He.

“(He) made admissions to stealing these shop goods,” Ms Neill-Ballantine said.

The items were returned to Woolworths and therefore no restitution was sought by the prosecution.

He had no criminal history.

Solicitor Oscar Millroy said He was employed and she worked in the same shopping centre where she committed the offence.

“She’s been in Yeppoon for approximately a year and is leaving next week for work in Coffs Harbour,” Mr Millroy said.

During sentencing on September 5, Magistrate Cameron Press said: “The prevalence of this offence must be a reflection of the difficult financial times some people are in.”

Mr Press fined He $150 and no conviction was recorded.