A WOMAN who has regularly stolen from shops in Carlisle has received a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

The order was put in place following her most recent conviction on Tuesday, November 27 for stealing property from the Matalan store at Station Business Retail Park, on Water Street in Carlisle.

Karen Clarke, of Water Street, Carlisle was sentenced to a 12-month community order, a drug rehabilitation order and ordered to pay compensation to Matalan.

In addition, the 33-year-old was also made subject of a Criminal Behaviour Order which bans Clarke from entering any premises which is a member of Carlisle Shop Watch scheme.

She is also barred from entering any premises in the nearby St Nicholas Gate Retail Park and must not enter any retail premises in the city centre, other than Lloyds chemist for prescriptions.

Police Constable Heidi Underwood from Cumbria Police said: “Clarke is a prolific shoplifting offender who is well-known to the police and the courts.

“Criminal Behaviour Orders are valuable tools to both ourselves and the courts to help curtail the offending of those who persistently commit crimes and it is my hope that the terms of the order will help give some respite to businesses in Carlisle city centre.

The Constable added: “We would urge the people of Carlisle to assist us and the courts in enforcing this order.

"If you witness Clarke breaching the terms of the order, please contact police immediately.”

Clarke’s CBO, which started on Tuesday, November 27 will last for two years.

Breaking the terms of a Criminal Behaviour Order could result in a prison sentence of up to five years in prison.

The Carlisle Shop Watch scheme has been running across the area for over 20 years.