Prolific shoplifter banned from wearing wigs after measly disguise attempt to 'deceive police and shop owners'
Wig wearing in shops is off the cards for a prolific thief who ‘repeatedly and brazenly’ pinched goods during a shoplifting spree in Hampshire.
Rachael Cole appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates Court on Friday, December 5 after being charged with stealing £964 worth of goods from shops in Hook and Liphook between November 10 and December 1.
During the series of thefts, Cole donned a wig in an attempt to disguise herself while she stole seven bags of dog food from Sainsbury’s in Liphook.
The 44-year-old admitted four counts of theft during her court appearance, where she was handed a 36 week prison sentence, inclusive of an activated suspended sentence order, alongside a two year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).
As part of the CBO, Cole, of Warren Close in Whitehill, has been banned from wearing a wig or hair piece, or any face covering that conceals her appearance when entering a shop.
She has also been banned from every Sainsbury’s and Tesco store in the UK, as well as the B&M store in Bordon.
East Hampshire Inspector Matt Wake said: “Cole repeatedly and brazenly steals from local businesses, even going as far as making a poor attempt at disguising herself with a wig to try and deceive police and shop owners.
“Once she’s served her prison sentence, she will face a number of very strict conditions that prohibit her behaviour. If she fails to comply, she will be arrested and brought before the courts once more.”
The CBO will also require Cole to place any items for purchase in a basket or trolley, and nowhere else, until they are paid for when she enters a shop.
She must also present proof of having the means to pay for goods if requested by a business, the police or street wardens when entering a retail premises in Hampshire and Surrey.
If asked to leave a shop in Hampshire or Surrey, Cole must do so immediately without aggressive or abusive language and must not return to the same shop the same day.
Inspector Wake added: “Where shoplifting is reported to us, we make every effort to identify and arrest offenders, and use other tactics such as applying for CBOs to limit re-offending.
“There can be a number of reasons why someone might repeatedly steal – it varies from individual to individual, but it can often be driven by addiction issues. Police work closely with local services who can provide support to those with addictions.
“We want the community to keep reporting incidents of anti-social behaviour and business crime in East Hampshire to police, so we can continue to work with partners to address these behaviours, and take appropriate action against any criminal offences.”