Prolific shoplifter banned from wearing a wig in stores after attempting to disguise himself

A serial shoplifter has been banned from wearing wigs to get around a ban that stopped her entering shops in Gloucester city centre.

Hannah Roberts, 33, was banned from entering shops part of Gloucester’s City Safe Scheme after a spate of thefts.

A court heard she repeatedly ignored the sanction and tried to get around it by wearing different hairpieces, but her distinctive throat tattoo still gave her away.

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

She has now been given a criminal behavior order (CBO) by Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court, which has banned her from entering Gloucester city center and all shops included in the scheme.

The order issued earlier this month also bans Roberts, of Nettleton Road in Gloucester, from wearing a wig or hairpiece as a disguise when entering a shop premises.

PC Andy Plant, of Gloucestershire Constabulary, said: “Our retail sector is suffering from these persistent shoplifters.

“Roberts has been the biggest perpetrator of shoplifting in recent months and we now have another tool to tackle her in the form of this CBO.

“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.”

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said in July that shoplifting “remains at its highest level in 20 years”.