Prolific thief is banned from Metrocentre

A prolific thief has been banned from entering the Metrocentre after she was caught stealing.

Leanne Kane and an associate entered Boots pharmacy but were watched on CCTV as they helped themselves to perfume sets, make-up and health supplements.

Thinking they’d got away with their crime, the pair left the store but were detained a short distance away by a security guard.

Kane, who has 62 offences on her criminal record, including 37 for theft, appeared at North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court to plead guilty to another count of theft, but claimed it was all the idea of her accomplice.

Grace Taylor, prosecuting, said the two women entered the Boots store, in the Metrocentre, on August 3 this year but soon gained the attention of a security guard, who was watching from CCTV cameras.

Magistrates were told the security guard followed Kane, of Denmark Street, in Byker, and he friend and detained them while the police arrived.

Fragrance sets were recovered from Kane, as well as health supplements and make-up from her associate, worth £368.

Kane was banned from entering the Metrocentre for six months and was given an 18-month conditional discharge.