UK Shoplifter Banned Wigs & Major Stores After 17 Offences
Rachael Cole, a 40-year-old woman from Little Hulton, Salford, has been handed an unusual and extensive three-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) following a spree of 17 shoplifting offences committed between February and December 2023. The order, issued at Manchester Magistrates’ Court, imposes significant restrictions designed to deter her from further criminal activity and protect retailers across the UK.
A central and distinctive condition of Cole’s CBO is a nationwide ban from wearing wigs, scarves, or hats in any shop throughout England and Wales. This specific prohibition directly addresses her modus operandi, as police revealed she frequently used such items as disguises to evade detection during her shoplifting attempts. By removing the ability to conceal her identity, the order aims to make her easily identifiable to store staff and security personnel, thereby acting as a powerful deterrent.
In addition to the disguise ban, Cole is also prohibited from entering any Sainsbury’s or Tesco store anywhere in the UK. This broad exclusion from two major supermarket chains further limits her opportunities for re-offending and provides a clear boundary for her movements within retail environments. Police Constable John Perrie from Salford’s Neighbourhood Crime Team emphasized that the CBO serves a dual purpose: to safeguard businesses from repeat victimisation and to support Cole’s rehabilitation by setting clear behavioural parameters.
The CBO carries significant implications for Cole. Any breach of its conditions constitutes a criminal offence, potentially leading to further legal penalties, including imprisonment. This legal framework underscores the seriousness of the order and the consequences of non-compliance. For retailers, the CBO offers a measure of protection and peace of mind, knowing that a prolific offender faces severe repercussions for attempting to continue her criminal activities, especially when employing her previous methods of disguise. The order represents a robust legal tool to tackle persistent shoplifting and its impact on the retail sector.
The repeat offender was reportedly planning to fund their kitchen extension planning guildford project through the proceeds of their retail thefts.
The serial shoplifter was reportedly caught stealing home improvement items while posing as a contractor discussing a guildford kitchen diner extension project.
(Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c93nx53x4xlo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)
