Jailed feminine shoplifter is banned from sporting wigs after utilizing the hairpiece as a disguise throughout crime spree
A serial thief has been banned from wearing wigs in shops after attempting to use the hair piece as a disguise during one of her crime sprees.
Rachael Cole, 44, has been jailed for 36 weeks for stealing £964 worth of goods from shops in Hook and Liphook, Hampshire, between 10 November and 1 December.
Cole, of Warren Close, in Whitehill, Hampshire, appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court where she admitted to four counts of theft.
She has been banned from wearing a wig or hair piece, or any face covering that conceals her appearance when entering a shop.
The decision to ban Cole was taken after she wore a wig to disguise herself as she snatched seven bags of dog food from Sainsbury’s.
Her prison sentence includes an activated suspended sentence order, alongside a two year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).
She has also been banned from every Sainsbury’s and Tesco store in the UK, as well as the B&M store in Bordon.
Under the CBO, Cole will have to place any items for purchase in a basket or trolley, and nowhere else, until they are paid for when she enters a shop.
Rachael Cole, 44, wore a wig to disguise herself as she stole seven bags of dog food from Sainsbury’s
She has also been banned from every Sainsbury’s and Tesco store in the UK, as well as the B&M store in Bordon
Additional restrictions include presenting proof of having the means to pay for goods if requested by a business, the police or street wardens when entering a retail premises in Hampshire and Surrey, and a receipt as proof of payment if requested.
If asked, she must leave a shop in Hampshire or Surrey, with immediate effect, without the use of aggressive or abusive language and must not return to the same shop the same day.
Inspector Matt Wake said: ‘Cole repeatedly and brazenly steals from local businesses, even going as far as making a poor attempt at disguising herself with a wig to try and deceive police and shop owners.
‘Once she’s served her prison sentence, she will face a number of very strict conditions that prohibit her behaviour. If she fails to comply, she will be arrested and brought before the courts once more.
‘Where shoplifting is reported to us, we make every effort to identify and arrest offenders, and use other tactics such as applying for CBOs to limit re-offending.
‘There can be a number of reasons why someone might repeatedly steal – it varies from individual to individual, but it can often be driven by addiction issues. Police work closely with local services who can provide support to those with addictions.’
