A prolific shoplifter who stole dog shampoo from Pets at Home and later spat at and punched a security guard has been banned from Cables Retail Park in Prescot. Angela Douras, 52, from Huyton, pleaded guilty to two thefts and common assault at South Sefton Magistrates' Court.
Criminal behaviour order and suspended sentence
On Wednesday, July 29, Douras was issued with a three-year criminal behaviour order. She also received a 16-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months and was ordered to pay £200 victim costs.
Thefts and assault details
On June 4, she stole more than £60 worth of dog shampoo from Pets at Home in Cables Retail Park, placing items into a carrier bag without paying. Then, on Thursday, July 23, Merseyside Police were called to Tesco in the same retail park after an aggressive shoplifter spat at a security guard. Douras had entered Tesco around 12.40pm and stole more than £160 worth of goods. She returned around 1.30pm with the stolen goods still in her possession, and staff detained her. While a security guard escorted her out, she spat at him and punched him in the face.
Terms of the order
Douras is now barred from entering Cables Retail Park and must leave any store immediately when asked by staff. She is not allowed to enter any store she has been banned from, and she is prohibited from placing or concealing any item in anything other than a basket or trolley until items have been paid for. She is also banned from using scan-as-you-shop or self-service tills and must use manned tills to pay.
Police comment
Knowsley Neighbourhood Inspector Ray Mavrakakis said: “Theft from business is not a victimless crime as it has a huge impact on the community in many ways such as the cost being passed on to the consumer. This order demonstrates that we will not accept this kind of behaviour as the norm, and this ban prohibits Douras from entering Cables Retail Park which prevents her causing further misery to businesses. Criminal behaviour orders are an effective mechanism in tackling theft, and should she breach this order then she will be arrested and could be imprisoned.”
Reporting information
Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police's social media desk via X or Facebook @MerPolCC, call 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always call 999.
