RCMP arrested a Botwood woman on theft charges just hours after her release from custody.

On Thursday of last week, police responded to a report of a theft from Irving in Gander. Witnesses provided a description of the vehicle and suspect, and a short time later the vehicle was located outside the Shoppers Drug Mart in Gander.

Police arrested the 37-year-old, who was on probation on a previous theft conviction, as she left the pharmacy and recovered property from both businesses.

RCMP say further investigation connected the woman to another theft from the local Canadian Tire in September.

She appeared in court on Friday on charges of theft and breach of probation, but just hours after her release, police received a report of multiple thefts from the Walmart in Gander and witnesses identified the same woman, who was located and arrested at a traffic stop on the TCH by Lewisporte RCMP.

She pleaded guilty in court to one count each of theft and breach of probation related to the Walmart incident. She has been sentenced and is scheduled to appear in court again in February to answer to other outstanding charges.