A supermarket giant is taking legal action against two shoplifters - to help fund security at its stores.
Tesco is seeking compensation from thieves Sarah Cox, 43, and Greig Wilson, 38, after they were caught stealing from its store on Hibel Road.
The couple stole more than £100 worth of food and drink during two visits within the space of a week, magistrates heard.
Cox, of Countess Road, Macclesfield, and Wilson, of Pembroke Road, Macclesfield, both admitted two charges of theft at Macclesfield magistrates’ court.
They were both fined £50 and ordered to pay £40 towards costs.
Magistrates heard that the supermarket would be taking civil action against the pair and the Crown Prosecution Service would not be asking for compensation on its behalf.
Neil Audley, prosecuting, said: “On July 28 a security guard at Tesco saw the couple enter and became suspicious of them as they were carrying their own bags.
“On this occasion they left the store without being checked. A later review of CCTV showed that they had stolen items including four cans of vodka and coke, and four packets of slice meat.
“Then on August 4, exactly a week later, the same security guard recognised the couple enter the store again. He watched them again put food in their own bags. They did pay for £8 worth of items but not other goods valued at £91.29.”
In a statement read out in court, Mr Audley said: “Tesco will be pursuing Cox and Wilson in a civil case for compensation because they have to employ security guards and upgrade their CCTV to deal with shoplifting offences like these.”
Cox, defending herself, said: “We don’t have a lot of money. It will never happen again.”
Wilson, also defending himself, said: “It was a stupid thing to do.”
Tesco declined to comment on the case or the civil matter.
