A shoplifter has been prohibited from wearing wigs as a means of disguise after going on a shop theft spree. Hannah Roberts, aged 33, attempted to conceal her identity using various hairpieces to circumvent a ban on entering retail premises. Following her actions, she was issued a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) by Gloucester magistrates at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court.
Roberts had been barred by the City Safe Scheme from accessing member shops, but she disregarded this restriction multiple times. Whenever confronted by staff or security personnel, Roberts resorted to abusive behaviour and fled with stolen items. In an effort to evade detection, she resorted to wearing different wigs. However, her distinctive tattoo on her neck provided staff with a means to easily identify her.
Under the terms of the CBO, Roberts is now forbidden from entering Gloucester city centre and any stores participating in the Gloucester City Safe initiative. Additionally, she is not allowed to wear a wig or hairpiece that alters her appearance when entering retail premises. Police constable Andy Plant, from Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Vulnerabilities Team, expressed concerns about the impact of persistent shoplifters on the retail industry.
Plant highlighted Roberts as a repeat offender and emphasised the importance of having tools such as the CBO to address such behaviour effectively. He pledged continued support to local businesses by targeting shoplifters and obtaining further court orders where necessary.
The case of Roberts highlights the challenges faced by businesses dealing with repeat offenders and the measures being taken to protect retail establishments from theft and disruption. The use of Criminal Behaviour Orders underscores the efforts of law enforcement to address antisocial behaviour and support the local retail community in maintaining a safe and secure environment for both customers and staff.