'Persistent' shoplifter banned from city centre

A "persistent" shoplifter has been banned from a city centre shopping area for five years after stealing candles and beauty products, police have said.

Rosa Kovacs, 61, of Easton, Bristol, was arrested on 23 December after the thefts on 6 and 9 December, said Avon and Somerset Police.

The force said she pleaded guilty to both offences at Bristol Magistrates' Court on 24 December and was handed a Criminal Behaviour Order, banning her from the Broadmead area of the city.

She was ordered to pay £240 in compensation and complete rehabilitation.

Sgt Sean Underwood said the order sent a "clear message that persistent offending will not be tolerated" and officers would continue to work with retailers to "keep our city centre secure".

"By banning this individual from Broadmead for the next five years, we're protecting local businesses and creating a safer environment for shoppers," he said.

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