"Prolific" shoplifter banned from Milton Keynes Shopping Centre as part of Criminal Behaviour Order
A “prolific” shoplifter has been banned from Milton Keynes Shopping Centre after becoming the first person to have been hit with a Criminal Behaviour Order in the city following repeat offending.
Alaina Stratford, 42, from Lower Breaches in Cranfield pleaded guilty to one count of theft from a shop during an appearance at Milton Keynes Magistrates Court.
The court heard how Stratford entered John Lewis on Field Walk, Milton Keynes, at around 4pm on July 28, stole a fragrance, and left without paying for the item.
As well as the Criminal Behaviour Order, Stratford was also ordered to pay £413 in compensation and sentenced to a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
The compensation includes a separate shoplifting offence at Boots in Bletchley on June 22, which the offender asked the court to take into consideration.
Thames Valley Police said that as well as the Criminal Behaviour Order a series of restrictions have been put on Stratford including that she cannot carry large holdalls, rucksacks, foil-lined bags, suitcases or shopping trolleys into retail premises, cannot conceal any item before it has been purchased, cannot place retail goods into personal bags or clothing prior to payment, and must produce any bag or other container for inspection by police where there are reasonable grounds to suspect a breach of the order.
In a statement provided to the Citizen Thames Valley Police added: “If Stratford fails to comply with any of the above, she is in breach and arrestable without committing any other offence.
“She has to comply with every aspect of this order or she will face arrest and put before the courts.”
Speaking following the sentencing investigating officer Samuel Emerton-Jones described the conviction as ‘a significant result’ saying they hoped it would send a message to other persistent thieves.
PC Emerton-Jones said: “The conviction secured at court is a significant result for the retail crime community and demonstrates the positive impact of proactive partnership working.
“The granting of a Criminal Behaviour Order highlights the seriousness with which Thames Valley Police responds to prolific offenders who repeatedly target retailers and cause harm to businesses and the wider community.
“This outcome reflects our commitment to working closely with retailers, loss prevention officers and partner agencies to identify opportunities to break the cycle of repeat offending and protect those affected by retail crime.
“The order, which is the first Criminal Behaviour Order granted in Milton Keynes against a prolific shoplifter, provides the police with additional powers to disrupt, deter and prevent further criminal behaviour.
“We will continue to work alongside our partners to maximise opportunities to prevent offending, support victims and hold repeat offenders accountable.
“This order should also serve as a warning to those who persistently engage in theft and other acquisitive crime that we will continue to pursue robust enforcement action, including seeking orders where appropriate, to protect local businesses and maintain public confidence.”
Criminal Behaviour Orders are legal orders that can be issued by judges and are designed to prevent offenders from engaging in behaviour that can cause harassment, alarm or distress to others.