FOUR prolific shoplifters have been arrested and issued with Criminal Behaviour Orders.

The Cheltenham Neighbourhood Policing Team recently arrested four people who appeared before the courts in connection with numerous shoplifting offences. 

Kevin McClarnon, aged 46, was sentenced to 36 weeks in prison and issued with a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order banning him from a number of shops in Cheltenham.

Stroud News and Journal: Kevin McClarnonKevin McClarnon (Image: Glos Police)

Emily Dixon, aged 38, was sentenced to 14 weeks in prison and issued with a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order banning her from a number of shops in Cheltenham.

Stroud News and Journal: Emily DixonEmily Dixon (Image: Glos Police)

Kirsten Wilkinson, aged 32, was sentenced to eight weeks in prison and also issued with a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order banning her from a number of shops in Cheltenham.

Stroud News and Journal: Kirsten WilkinsonKirsten Wilkinson (Image: Glos Police)

Alisha Parke, aged 35, had an existing Criminal Behaviour Order extended and was also issued with a 12 month community order.

Stroud News and Journal: Alisha ParkeAlisha Parke (Image: Glos Police)

The Criminal Behaviour Order bans her from all retail premises in Cheltenham with the exception of Iceland on Coronation Square, Farmfoods on Edinburgh Place, Sports Direct at Gallagher Retail Park, Sainsbury’s at Gallagher Retail Park, Badham Pharmacy on Swindon Road and Tewkesbury Road Post Office.

These arrests follow investigations by officers into shoplifting offences which were committed across the town.

PC Will Hayes from the Cheltenham Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We are more than aware that police have been criticised for not doing enough to tackle a recent rise in shoplifting offences being committed across the country.

"The town centre team have worked tirelessly and expeditiously in bringing four of Cheltenham's most prolific shoplifters to justice over recent weeks and months.

“Their repeat offending and disregard for the law has caused untold stress for our local businesses along with a huge drain of resources.

“Whilst there is always more that can be done, along with there being a much bigger picture to the matter, we hope that all of our hard work shows local residents and partner agencies that we do take shoplifting seriously and will continue to do our best to secure convictions for the most prolific.”

Anyone who sees McClarnon, Dixon, Wilkinson or Parke breaching their Criminal Behaviour Order has been asked to call police on 101.