A notorious shoplifter with 171 criminal convictions has been barred from entering almost all stores across a vast area of northeastern England, following a landmark court ruling.
Tanya Liddle, 43, from Newcastle, has been issued an unprecedented civil injunction by the Newcastle Civil Court, prohibiting her from entering any shops within Northumbria Police’s jurisdiction – an area spanning over 2,000 square miles from the Scottish border to County Durham, and from the Pennines to the coast.
The order, described by Northumbria Police as the strictest ever imposed in their region, allows Liddle access to only three stores: a pharmacy, a supermarket, and a clothing retailer. Any breach of these conditions could result in her arrest and potential imprisonment.
Inspector Patrick Hannon of Northumbria Police stated, “Liddle has consistently targeted retailers for a number of years and exhausted every opportunity given to her to change her ways. With that in mind, we feel that this is the best way to manage her offending.”
Liddle’s criminal career spans decades, during which she has been arrested nearly 400 times. Her most recent offense occurred on April 24 at a TK Maxx store in Cramlington’s Westmorland Retail Park. Security footage showed Liddle, disguised with a low-pulled hat, leaving the store with £1,500 (approximately $1,900) worth of stolen bags.
The shoplifter had become notorious for wearing various disguises to avoid recognition, a tactic that ultimately proved unsuccessful in evading law enforcement.
“The severity of this order demonstrates the seriousness of her criminality and the significant impact it has had on the retail community within the region, which is something we will simply not accept,” Inspector Hannon added.
Northumbria Police have urged the public to report any sightings of Liddle in prohibited stores via their social media channels or website live chat function.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by retailers and law enforcement in combating persistent shoplifting, and the extreme measures sometimes required to address prolific offenders.
Source: news.sky.com
