Repeat Shoplifter Jailed Following ‘New Policing Approach’

Emily Dixon, a 39-year-old individual with no fixed abode, has received an 18-month jail sentence. This follows her appearance at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday for sentencing, where she admitted guilt to seven charges after police accused her of trespassing and burglary. Authorities had previously prohibited Dixon from entering retail establishments in Gloucestershire. Consequently, her subsequent entries into these shops and acts of theft constituted trespass and burglary. PC Will Hayes stated, “Charging Dixon with burglary is a new approach being taken to prosecute prolific shoplifters.” He further commented, “We will look to prosecute others in this way as we aim to make Cheltenham a safer place for all.” On 25 November, Dixon received a banning notice issued by the Cheltenham Daysafe community, which specified the shops she was prohibited from entering. Subsequently, police recorded five separate reports indicating Dixon’s entry into shops and the theft of merchandise. These reports specified that she unlawfully entered Marks and Spencer twice, stealing meat valued at hundreds of pounds. Dixon proceeded to violate the order by entering Poundland twice and Tesco once. Law enforcement officers subsequently charged her with one instance of attempted burglary, one instance of burglary, and five violations of a Criminal Behaviour Order. PC Hayes, representing the Cheltenham Neighbouring Policing team, commented that the sentencing would “bring closure for the businesses that [Dixon] has relentlessly targeted.” He further explained, “On this occasion Dixon was trespassing by entering the shops which is classed as burglary.” “Shoplifting is not a victimless crime and this investigation shows the level of our dedication in targeting shoplifters,” he added. He concluded, “I also hope that this shows other shoplifters that we will continue to leave no stone unturned when it comes to investigating prolific individuals.”