Prolific shoplifter banned from shopping centre

A prolific shoplifter has been banned entirely from a shopping centre after being convicted of stealing perfume from the John Lewis store.

Alaina Stratford, 42, from Cranfield in Bedfordshire, has been handed the first criminal behaviour order (CBO) secured in Milton Keynes.

Under the terms of the order, which lasts for two years, she is not allowed to enter Centre:MK in the city.

Stratford, of Lower Breaches, was sentenced at Milton Keynes Magistrates' Court last week after pleading guilty to one count of theft from a shop. She was also ordered to pay £664 compensation in relation to a shoplifting offence at Boots in Bletchley.

Her conviction relates to the theft of perfume from John Lewis at about 16:00 BST on 28 July.

The court heard the shoplifting offence at Boots happened on 22 June.

As part of the sentencing, Stratford is also required to carry out a 30-day drug rehabilitation programme.

Under the terms of the CBO, as well as being banned from Centre:MK, she must not:

• carry large holdalls, rucksacks, foil-lined bags, suitcases or take shopping trolleys into retail premises
• conceal any item before it has been purchased
• place retail goods into personal bags or clothing prior to payment

She must also produce any bag or other container for inspection by police where there are reasonable grounds to suspect a breach of the CBO.

Investigating officer PC Samuel Emerton-Jones, based at Milton Keynes police station, said: "This outcome reflects our commitment to working closely with retailers, loss prevention officers and partner agencies to identify opportunities to break the cycle of repeat offending and protect those affected by retail crime."

Do you have a story suggestion for Beds, Herts or Bucks? Contact us below.

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.