A prolific shoplifter has been banned from wearing wigs after she used them to disguise herself while stealing from shops in Gloucester, police said.
Hannah Roberts, 33, had been wearing several hairpieces after being banned from certain shops in Gloucester city centre.
Roberts, of Nettleton Road, had been banned from entering shops that were part of Gloucester’s City Safe Scheme but had repeatedly ignored the ban.
As well as allegedly becoming abusive or making off with stolen goods when challenged by staff, she had also worn wigs to disguise herself, Gloucestershire Constabulary said.
But she has a large and striking tattoo on her neck that makes her easy to recognize.
Earlier this month, Cheltenham The Magistrates’ Court imposed a criminal behavior order (CBO) on her, banning her from entering the city center and all shops in the scheme.
She is also prohibited from wearing a wig or hairpiece intended to alter her appearance when entering a storefront.
Police Officer Andy Plant, out Gloucestershire Police said: “Our retail sector is suffering because of these persistent shoplifters.
Hannah Roberts has a striking tattoo on her neck. Photo: PA/Gloucestershire Constabulary
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“Roberts has been the number one perpetrator of shoplifting in recent months, and we now have another tool to deal with her in the form of this criminal behavior order.
“We will continue to support our businesses in the city and its surrounding areas by tackling shoplifters and seeking further orders from the courts where possible.”
In the latest reported figures, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) says shoplifting has risen by 30% (to 443,995 offences) for the year ending in March, compared to the previous twelve months (342,428 offences).
Shoplifting “remains at its highest level in 20 years”, the ONS said in July.