Woman banned from every shop in area after being arrested nearly 400 times

A prolific shoplifter who has targeted shops for decades has racked up her 171st conviction. Tanya Liddle has been arrested almost 400 times.

The 43-year-old, who has a staggering 171 convictions, including 150 for shoplifting, tried to hide under an array of hats to disguise herself from shopkeepers.

CCTV released by police today (Wednesday) shows Liddle going into TK Maxx in Cramlington, Northumberland, wearing a floppy hat on April 24 this year. The footage shows her stealing £1,500 worth of designer bags from the store.

Liddle, of Newcastle, has now been banned from all shops in the North East except a pharmacy, a supermarket and a clothes store. Northumbria Police successfully applied for a civil injunction against Liddle at a hearing at Newcastle Civil Court last Thursday (September 12).

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Police said it is the strictest order they have ever issued against a repeat offender. If Liddle breaks the terms of the order she faces prison.

Inspector Patrick Hannon said: "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.

"With that in mind, we feel that this is the best way to manage her offending. The severity of this order demonstrates the seriousness of her criminality and the significant impact it has had on the retail community within the region, which is something we will simply not accept.

"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. I'd like to reassure the public that should we find Liddle to be in a premises she shouldn't be, we will not hesitate to take action and get her arrested.

"We hope that this news offers reassurance to the wider community and, as a Force, we will continue to do everything in our power to act on concerns reported and bring effective justice against prolific offenders."