Retailers are breathing a sigh of relief after a persistent shoplifter was jailed for 13 months – having been arrested repeatedly.
Gemma Swindell, 39, was given a suspended prison sentence on December 1 after admitting eight shoplifting offences in Nottingham city centre.
Five of the offences took place at the Victoria Centre and so she was handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), banning her from the shopping centre for three years.
The stealing spree was by no means her first, with magistrates hearing she’d amassed 31 previous convictions for 104 offences – mostly shop thefts.
Swindell’s flagrant disregard for the law was apparent two days after she was handed the CBO, when she was spotted breaching the order by entering the Victoria Centre. She also committed a further shop theft at Sainsbury’s in Clumber Street.
Officers arrested her on 5 December and she was charged with breaching a CBO and theft from a shop.
Appearing at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court the next day, Swindell, of The Wells Road, Nottingham, pleaded guilty to both offences and was jailed for 13 months.
PC Phil Yates, of the City Centre neighbourhood policing team, said he was pleased Swindell will now spend Christmas and the New Year in prison. He said:
“Swindell is a constant thorn in the side for retail businesses with an extensive offending history.
“Christmas is one of the busiest times of year for retail businesses which also leaves them vulnerable to shoplifters, as the increased footfall of customers leaves them at risk of becoming victims of thefts.
“To see a prolific offender serve time in prison over the Christmas period is a fantastic result as this will offer businesses a welcome break from this particular offender.
“To commit a further offence and breach the CBO so soon after appearing in court shows that she has no regard for the law and this has ultimately cost Swindell her freedom over the festive period.
“This was a collaborative effort between neighbourhood officers who investigated the offences and secured the CBO, local businesses including Victoria Centre security, and the My Local Bobby’s team who assisted in locating and detaining Swindell prior to her recent arrest.
“These collaborative efforts show the real impact of bringing together police, local authorities and the business community to reduce harm and create safer places to work and shop.”
