A prolific shoplifter has been banned from parts of her own town centre after returning to her criminal ways.
Gemma Rowell was arrested in mid-October in connection with a report of shoplifting after she was charged with a slew of shoplifting offences.
The 34-year-old ‘drain on police resources’, of Broxburn Close, Wallsend, will not be able to enter retail premises in Wallsend town centre, Battle Hill or Middle Engine Lane.
It means Rowell, who has a variety of convictions to her name including theft and shoplifting, will face arrest and could end up in jail if she steps foot in any of the shops within certain exclusion zones.
She’ll only be able to enter the area if she is attending the pharmacy.
Gemma Rowell, 34, (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)
The ban, under a criminal behaviour order, was handed to her at North Tyneside Magistrates Court on Thursday (November 2). It will last for three years.
Northumbria Police said its aim is to protect local businesses and described Rowell’s repeat offending as a drain on resources.
Speaking after the sentencing Neighbourhood Sergeant Aias Hannan said: “We hope those who live, work in, and visit Wallsend will join us in welcoming the news that Rowell can no longer step foot in certain areas of our town.
“This order will ban her from entering the areas most affected by her offending and help to keep the public and staff safe. Should Rowell choose to ignore the conditions of her order, she will face re-arrest and a potential jail term.
“Rowell has been a drain on police resources for some time now and has regularly caused concerns to local residents. This order has come as a result of a lot of hard work by a team of officers who are dedicated to putting an end to her disruptive and selfish behaviour.
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“Other members of the community should not have to endure this behaviour and these new conditions mean they will no longer have to.
“We hope that this offers reassurance to the wider community and, as a Force, we will continue to do all we can to act on concerns reported and bring effective justice against prolific offenders.”
A force spokesperson added: “Anyone who is a victim of anti-social behaviour is encouraged to report it via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the Northumbria Police website or by calling 101.”
