Skegness woman sentenced after two-week shoplifting spree
A Skegness woman who carried out a series of thefts across the town has been sentenced following swift action by police and local retailers.
Lorna Smith, 38, of Roman Bank, appeared at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on Thursday. She pleaded guilty to six shop thefts committed between January 31 and February 17, as well as resisting arrest and obstructing a police officer.
Smith was handed a 12-week custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months, alongside a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), an alcohol and drug treatment requirement, and an order to pay compensation.
According to Lincolnshire Police, the CBO – which lasts until February 18, 2028 – prohibits Smith from entering all retail premises in Skegness except Tesco on Richmond Drive and Skegness Pharmacy on Lumley Road. Breaching the order could lead to a further conviction, with the court able to impose up to five years’ imprisonment or a fine, or both.
Police say the use of CBOs is proving effective in tackling repeat retail offenders.
Community Beat Manager PC Lucy Hawley, who led the case, said: “As your local beat team, we work very closely with our store partners and other agencies to keep our community a safe and welcoming place to live and visit.
"When individuals repeatedly cause anti-social behaviour, we’ll use the full range of ASB legislation and civil orders available to us.
"This is a key part of how we proactively prevent crime and protect the area we all share.”
Lincolnshire Police praised the collaboration with retailers in bringing the case to a swift conclusion and reducing the impact of repeat offending in Skegness.