Two Shoplifters Banned from Major Retailers in Gloucestershire

Two individuals have received significant legal penalties following their involvement in shoplifting incidents across Gloucestershire. Lauren Holland, aged 41, and Verity Lulay, 35, both residents of Pomona Place in Hereford, have been issued Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBO) that bar them from entering several major retailers, including Boots and Tesco, for the next three years.

Holland faced multiple charges, including five counts of theft and one count of criminal damage. She appeared at Hereford Magistrates’ Court on November 5, 2023, where she received a sentence of 13 weeks in prison. This sentence was suspended for two years, and she was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £154. Additionally, the CBO prohibits her from accessing specific shops during the specified period.

Lulay was sentenced shortly after, on November 13, 2023, for a single count of theft. The court handed her an 18-week suspended sentence, effective for 18 months, along with a similar three-year CBO that restricts her entry to designated stores.

Police Sergeant Duncan Reynolds, part of the Hereford City Centre team, expressed support for the court’s decision. He noted, “We welcome the court’s decision to issue Criminal Behaviour Orders to these two individuals, whose repeated thefts have significantly affected local shops and businesses and caused distress to the public.” He urged the community to report any breaches of these orders immediately by calling 101.

The issuance of these orders reflects a growing concern over retail crime and its impact on local businesses, as authorities seek to protect both retailers and consumers from the negative effects of such criminal activities. The enforcement of these CBOs is expected to deter similar offenses in the region, promoting a safer shopping environment for the public.