Shoplifter banned from wearing wigs in city shops

Hannah Roberts' distinctive neck tattoo gave her identity away, despite her best disguise efforts

A shoplifter has been banned from wearing wigs after attempting to disguise herself while committing thefts on numerous occasions.

Hannah Roberts of Nettleton Road, Gloucester, was handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court earlier this month.

Roberts, 33, repeatedly ignored a ban by the City Safe Scheme from entering any member shops in Gloucester, the court heard.

Although she tried to get around the ban by wearing a variety of wigs, her distinctive neck tattoo meant she was recognisable to shop staff in the city.

When challenged by staff or security officers, Roberts reportedly became abusive, and ran off with stolen items.

Under the CBO, Roberts has been banned from entering Gloucester city centre and shops participating in the Gloucester City Safe scheme.

She is also prohibited from wearing a wig or hairpiece designed to change her appearance while entering any retail premises.

PC Andy Plant, from Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Vulnerabilities Team, said the retail industry was "suffering" at the hands of "persistent shoplifters".

"Roberts has been the top shoplifting offender in the last few months and we now have another tool to deal with her in the shape of this Criminal Behaviour Order," PC Plant added.

"We will continue to support our businesses in the city and its surrounds by targeting shoplifters and obtaining further orders at court where possible."