In a twist that sounds almost too cinematic to be real, the woman once dubbed the “UK’s poshest thief” has reinvented herself as a life coach.
Pauline Al Said, who made headlines earlier this year for her daylight raids with husband Mark Wheatcroft, has left her criminal past behind—or at least that’s the public story—and is now offering guidance on life and career.
A Criminal Past That Made Headlines
Al Said, 35, and her husband Mark Wheatcroft became infamous for stealing over £1,000 worth of high-end items, including Le Creuset cookware, premium cuts of steak, boutique gin, and bottles of wine.
Their thefts, carried out in broad daylight, shocked the public and drew widespread media attention.
Yet despite their audacious crimes, the couple avoided prison earlier this year, receiving fines of £2,500 instead.
Rebranding as Pauline Tusien
Now going by the professional name Pauline Tusien, she has launched a website promoting her work as a life and career mentor.
On the site, she claims to help clients “find clarity when things feel complicated” and highlights her experience as a senior criminologist and university lecturer.
She writes:
“Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with many people from a wide range of backgrounds, which has been both inspiring and rewarding.”
Her personal interests—traveling, running, and connecting with people worldwide—also feature prominently in her biography.
A Life Shaped by Travel and Perspective
Al Said was born in Poland and moved to the UK as a teenager.
She says she also lived in the Middle East, an experience she claims gave her a “deeper appreciation for different cultures, perspectives, and ways of life.”
She credits these experiences with inspiring her current work:
“These experiences taught me how powerful it can be to step outside of your comfort zone and how important it is to have the right support when navigating change.
That’s what inspired my work as a life and career mentor.”
The Thefts That Shocked the Nation
Earlier this year, courts heard details of Al Said and Wheatcroft’s thefts.
One incident involved a garden centre, where the couple used a de-tagging device to steal high-value spirits and cast-iron utensils.
When confronted by a shop detective, Wheatcroft allegedly struck the employee.
Less than a year later, Al Said was caught shoplifting again at Marks and Spencer, attempting to steal 33 thick-cut steaks along with bottles of wine.
The two thefts were valued at £581.48 and £570.42, respectively.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
The couple faced trial at Portsmouth Crown Court, where Al Said was found guilty of two counts of theft and Wheatcroft convicted of one count of theft and one count of assault.
Representing themselves, they argued their crimes were on the “lower end” in terms of harm.
Judge Keith Cutler sentenced them to fines, rejecting community service, noting:
“There has been some planning and a threat of use of force. I would not see her complying with unpaid work.
The best way of dealing with it is by a financial penalty.”
He also criticized the prosecution for failing to attend the sentencing hearing, remarking:
“There is no summary from the prosecution – they have simply washed their hands of this case for reasons I do not understand or accept.”
Life After Crime
Despite their criminal record and public notoriety, Al Said has embraced her new role as a mentor, highlighting her past work in criminology and her personal experiences as credentials for guiding others.
Her social media biography still cheekily refers to her as the “UK’s poshest thief,” keeping a hint of her infamous past alive in her reinvented public persona.