A 33-year-old Hannah Roberts has become the focus of attention in Gloucester city centre, as she attempted to evade detection while engaging in a series of shoplifting incidents.
This determined individual was noted for employing an assortment of headpieces, including wigs, in a blatant attempt to mask her identity and navigate the restrictions placed upon her by local businesses.
Roberts’ antics continue to raise alarms, especially given her prior exclusion from entering any shops associated with the City Safe Scheme.
Despite the clear restrictions placed upon her, Roberts’ defiance grew evident when she routinely ignored the bans. Witnesses recounted instances where store staff and security personnel confronted her amidst her alleged criminal activities.
When challenged, Roberts reportedly exhibited aggressive behaviour, often becoming verbally abusive, before making hasty escapes with stolen goods in tow.
To further navigate the already stringent limitations imposed on her, Roberts resorted to various wigs, thinking they would provide her with the cover she needed while shopping.
However, her distinctive neck tattoo proved to be a noticeable flaw in her plan, leaving her identity compromised on several occasions. Every cloud has a silver lining, and for authorities, this situation culminated at Gloucestershire Magistrates’ Court, where Justice of the Peace delivered a decisive ruling against Roberts.
A criminal behaviour order was handed down, specifically prohibiting her from wearing wigs or any other hairpieces designed to alter her appearance within retail settings. As a representative of Gloucestershire Police, Police Constable Andy Plant commented on the impact of such persistent offenders on the local retail landscape.
“Our retail industry is suffering because of these persistent shoplifters,” he stated. “Roberts has emerged as one of the foremost shoplifting offenders in recent months, and thus, this criminal behaviour order gives us an additional means to address her actions.”
The police force’s commitment was further underscored by Plant’s vow to keep supporting businesses in Gloucester and its surrounding areas by actively targeting shoplifters and seeking further legal measures when required.
Unfortunately, Roberts is not alone in the growing trend of shoplifting that plagues the UK’s retail sector. Following a staggering climb in incidence rates, figures show an alarming surge in shoplifting offences throughout the country.
Last year, law enforcement agencies recorded nearly1,300 shoplifting incidents daily. An eye-opening total of 469,788 offences were logged by police forces in England and Wales for the year leading up to June 2024.
This marked a staggering 29% increase from the previous year’s tally of 365,173 recorded incidents. The shocking escalation is particularly notable as these figures represent the highest level of shoplifting since the statistics began being tracked in March 2003, as confirmed by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Even earlier this year, shoplifting rates had already peaked at a 20-year high, prompting a collective concern about the growing prevalence of retail theft.
With the enhanced measures being implemented by law enforcement and the judicial system, there is hope that communities can work together to reduce these distressing statistics and restore a sense of security in local retail environments.
As Hannah Roberts navigates the consequences of her actions with the restrictions imposed by the court, the story serves as a stark reminder of the serious implications of shoplifting on communities and businesses alike, echoing the urgent need for continued vigilance and appropriate punitive measures against offenders.
Reported by: Olamilekan Botti
