Public urged to look out for ‘abusive’ shoplifter
THIEF BANNED FROM NUMBER OF SHOPS IN
POLICE have circulated a mugshot of a persistent thief who is officially banned from a number of shops in her home town.
Bianca Richards has committed a series of shoplifting offences in the Melton area and frequently becomes “abusive” when challenged by staff, police said.
Now the 24-year-old has been made the subject of a two-year criminal behaviour order which has been put in place by a court in an attempt to control her behaviour, Leicestershire Police said.
The order states that Richards must not remain inside any “shop or retail premises” in Melton if staff ask her to leave.
It also means she must not attempt to go into any of the businesses which have already barred her, including Tesco Express in Nottingham Road, Lidl, Wilko, Boyes, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Yorkshire Trading.
It also contains a further condition that she must not act in an “anti-social manner” or use “abusive, insulting, threatening or intimidating language or behaviour” towards anyone in any town shop.
Richards can be arrested if she is found to be in breach of any aspect of the order, officers said.
Melton police released details of the case, which was heard at Leicester Magistrates’ Court last week.
The force applied for the order after
Richards was convicted of her latest theft.
In a statement, it said: “The application was made due to Richards having previous convictions for shoplifting and use of anti-social behaviour when committing the offences.”
Pc Alex Wood, the officer who applied for the order, said: “Richards is a prolific shoplifter who uses antisocial behaviour, including abusive language, when committing the offences.
“This will not be tolerated and we continue to take action when required.”
Pc Davey Rawlings urged members of the public to help the order stick by reporting any breaches.
He said: “A number of stores have worked with us providing statements which enabled us to successfully apply for this order and we would like to thank them for their assistance and cooperation with this.
“Anyone who sees Richards in breach of this order should contact police immediately.”
Richards was also issued with a 12month community order and told to complete 15 days of rehabilitation activity supervised by probation officials.
She was also fined £85 and ordered to pay £35 compensation.