Skewen woman jailed after stealing thousands from her employer

A woman from Neath Port Talbot has been jailed after stealing thousands of pounds from her employer.

44-year-old Rebecca Hanford, from Skewen, had been working as a cashier at Arbourne’s, on New Road, Skewen, since 2010.

Up to September 2020, the business noted a shortfall of approximately £55,000 in their accounts. The business owners told the court that they estimated that the amount of money taken could total up to £100,000.

She has been sentenced to 12 months in prison.

Detective Sergeant Simon Davies said:

“Rebecca Hanford’s actions were not only criminal and selfish; they also had a detrimental impact on her colleagues, who were placed under suspicion when the shortfall was discovered.

“She knew what she was doing was wrong, yet she continued. Even worse, she appears to have squandered a significant amount of the money that she stole through gambling. Her claims that she was spending the money on household bills simply did not add up.

“She is now going to prison as a result of her actions, which should be seen as a clear warning to anyone else thinking of participating in this criminal behaviour.”