A persistent shoplifter has been jailed after stealing hundreds of pounds’ worth of perfume from a city centre store.
Hazel McPhee, aged 38, of no fixed address, was identified by CCTV footage after targeting L’Occitane, in Bridlesmith Gate, twice in two weeks.
On 21 April, she stole three bottles of fragrance worth £200, and on 3 May, she stole four bottles worth £270.
She also stole a £240 handbag from Fred Perry, also in Bridlesmith Gate, on 1 March.
McPhee, who has multiple previous convictions for shoplifting offences, including at Marks & Spencer in Albert Street, was arrested and charged on Thursday last week (7 May).
Appearing at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court the following day, she pleaded guilty to all three charges.
She was jailed for 40 weeks and handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), which prohibits her from entering Bridlesmith Gate or the Marks & Spencer store for three years.
PC Phil Yates, of Nottinghamshire Police, said he was pleased that McPhee had received a custodial sentence. He said:
“I am thrilled with this outcome, particularly with securing a CBO. Having spoken to many businesses on Bridlesmith Gate, Hazel McPhee has been a persistent problem for them, as she repeatedly targeted shops on this street to steal high-value goods.
“When challenged by staff, she has often become verbally abusive, threatened violence, or used violence against staff after they caught her stealing.
“The CBO will offer them all peace of mind that Hazel is now prohibited from even walking down the street, let alone entering their premises once she is released from prison.”
The sentencing comes as Nottinghamshire Police announces the deployment of high-visibility patrols to different sections of the city centre as part of major plans to make Nottingham ‘a no-go area’ for criminals to operate in.
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