Notorious Shoplifter Banned from All Stores in Two UK Counties

In an unprecedented move, a notorious shoplifter has been prohibited from entering retail establishments across two counties in northern England. Tanya Liddle, a 43-year-old woman from Newcastle, has amassed an astounding 171 convictions, with 150 specifically for shoplifting offenses.

The civil injunction, issued last Thursday at Newcastle Civil Court, is the most stringent of its kind in the Northumbria Police area. This region spans approximately 2,000 square miles, stretching from the Scottish border in Northumberland to Sunderland in County Durham. The order restricts Liddle from entering any retail premises within this vast area, with only three exceptions: one pharmacy, one supermarket, and one clothing retailer.

Liddle's criminal history is extensive, with nearly 400 arrests to her name. Her most recent offense occurred on April 24, 2024, when she purloined designer bags valued at £1,500 from a TK Maxx store in Cramlington. Witnesses reported that Liddle, donning a large floppy hat as a disguise, casually exited the store without interacting with staff.

Inspector Patrick Hannon of Northumbria Police commented on the injunction: "We are pleased to have secured this order, which is thanks to the excellent and tireless work of our officers. Liddle has consistently targeted retailers for a number of years and exhausted every opportunity given to her to change her ways."

The severity of this injunction underscores the significant impact of Liddle's criminal activities on the retail community. Shoplifting, a form of larceny that originated in the late 16th century, continues to be a major concern for retailers worldwide. In the UK, it falls under the Theft Act 1968 and costs the global retail industry billions of dollars annually.

While professional shoplifters like Liddle are estimated to account for only 3% of all shoplifters, their impact is disproportionate. Retailers have implemented various prevention measures over the years, including electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems, plainclothes loss prevention officers, and CCTV cameras, which became widespread in the 1980s.

The police hope that this ruling will serve as a deterrent to other potential offenders. Inspector Hannon added, "I hope this ruling sends a clear message to other shoplifters that your behaviour will not be tolerated and you will be brought to justice."

It's worth noting that Liddle's case is not unique. Studies have shown that shoplifting often increases during economic downturns, and retail shrinkage, which includes shoplifting, accounts for about 2% of sales in most countries. Some nations have implemented "civil recovery" laws to recoup losses from shoplifters, similar to the injunction imposed on Liddle.

Should Liddle violate the terms of her order, she faces potential arrest and imprisonment. This strict measure aims to break the cycle of her criminal behavior, which has persisted for years. In 2016, Liddle was sentenced to 15 months in prison after admitting to charges of theft and affray.

As the retail industry continues to grapple with the challenges posed by shoplifting, cases like Liddle's highlight the ongoing need for effective prevention strategies and legal measures to protect businesses and maintain public order.

"You have 122 convictions for 357 offences, most minor nuisance crimes. You are a one-woman crimewave."

This case serves as a reminder of the complex issues surrounding chronic shoplifting and the lengths to which law enforcement may go to address persistent offenders.