Aylesbury woman jailed for stealing £150k from charities

Charlotte Young, of Griffin Lane, Aylesbury, was sentenced to three years in jail at Amersham Crown Court on Friday, May 8, after pleading guilty to two counts of theft by employee.

The 45-year-old worked as treasurer and accountant for the Long Crendon Community Social Club and Long Crendon Village Association, when she stole thousands of pounds from their accounts.

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She took more than £125,600 from the social club’s account and nearly £29,500 from the village association.

Charlotte Young, 45, was jailed for three years for fraud after stealing £150k from the charities (Image: Thames Valley Police)

Young was arrested on October 19, 2023, and charged two years later, on October 21, 2025.

Detective constable with the Thames Valley Police, Stephanie Mason of the central fraud unit, said: “Young had a previous conviction for fraud and went on to commit further offences in a similar manner, evidently believing she would evade detection.

“These offences spanned an eight-year period and had a significant impact on a community that had dedicated their time and effort to raising funds for charitable causes.

“The custodial sentence imposed is, in my view, wholly appropriate and serves as a clear reminder that such actions carry serious consequences.”

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The Long Crendon Village Association works to preserve the heritage and create a ‘sustainable future’ for the small village in Buckinghamshire, which is just over the Oxfordshire border from Thame.

Long Crendon community centre, where the social group and association are based (Image: Wikimedia Commons / Paul Shreeve)

The police’s central fraud unit detective inspector Duncan Wynn said: “I am pleased with this conviction which comes after Young pleaded guilty following a thorough and extensive investigation by DC Stephanie Mason and the Buckinghamshire Fraud Team.

“The sentence reflects the severity of the offences whereby Young systematically exploited the position of trust she was placed into and stole over £150,000 of money which was raised by the community for charitable purposes.

“These selfish acts have left a huge whole in much needed community funds.

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“Young showed complete disregard for this and covered her tracks well enough to be able to live a lavish lifestyle on these ill-gotten gains for eight years.

“I hope that the sentence imposed will act as a deterrent to others and demonstrate our commitment to pursue fraudsters and bring them to justice on behalf of victims.

“Thames Valley Police will use all proceeds of crime powers available to ensure as much of the stolen money as possible can be returned to the victim and will ensure Young is stripped of any assets and financial benefit she acquired using stolen funds.”