Serial shoplifter banned from city stores

A serial thief has been been banned from entering four stores in York after being convicted of a spate of shoplifting offences.

Lauren Chadwick, 31, was found guilty of seven counts of theft after targeting premises in the Acomb and Foxwood areas in December.

At York Magistrates' Court on Monday, she was barred from entering the Co-op stores in Beagle Ridge Drive and York Road, as well as Morrisons Daily in Gale Lane and Heron Foods in Front Street, Acomb, for five years.

She was also ordered not to place any items in anything other than a shopping basket or trolley prior to payment.

Sgt Ben Ambler said: "Shop theft has a financial impact on local businesses, and causes stress and anxiety to staff who are simply trying to do their jobs.

"Victims have described the impact of Chadwick's relentless behaviour as going 'far beyond the immediate loss of goods', and provided statements to the court detailing the significant damage to staff wellbeing and business growth.

"This court order gives us extra powers to help protect York businesses – and makes it clear that this kind of behaviour will be met with swift and decisive action."

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