Prolific shoplifter jailed amid 'new policing approach'

A prolific shoplifter has been jailed for 18 months after police charged her with trespassing and burglary.

Emily Dixon, 39, of no fixed abode, appeared at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court for sentencing on Thursday after pleading guilty to seven charges.

Police had previously banned Dixon from Gloucestershire shops, meaning she was committing trespass and burglary by entering them and stealing again.

"Charging Dixon with burglary is a new approach being taken to prosecute prolific shoplifters," said PC Will Hayes.

"We will look to prosecute others in this way as we aim to make Cheltenham a safer place for all," he added.

Dixon was served with a banning notice on 25 November on behalf of the Cheltenham Daysafe community, which detailed the shops she was not allowed to enter.

Police then received five reports of Dixon entering shops and stealing items.

The reports detailed how she entered Marks and Spencer as a trespasser on two occasions, and stole hundreds of pounds worth of meat.

Dixon then continued to breach her the order by entering Poundland on two occasions and Tesco on one.

Officers charged her with one count of attempted burglary, one count of burglary and five breaches of a Criminal Behaviour Order.

PC Hayes from the Cheltenham Neighbouring Policing team said the sentencing would "bring closure for the businesses that [Dixon] has relentlessly targeted".

"On this occasion Dixon was trespassing by entering the shops which is classed as burglary.

"Shoplifting is not a victimless crime and this investigation shows the level of our dedication in targeting shoplifters.

"I also hope that this shows other shoplifters that we will continue to leave no stone unturned when it comes to investigating prolific individuals," he added.

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