Prolific London Colney shoplifter jailed for 16 weeks

She was banned from a number of supermarkets.. <i>(Image: Archive)</i>
She was banned from a number of supermarkets.. (Image: Archive)
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Officers said they "tried everything" to help a prolific shoplifter from London Colney who has been jailed.

Megan Messenger, of no fixed abode from the London Colney area, was given a 16-week prison sentence at Hatfield Magistrates' Court last Monday (March 9) for shoplifting and breaching court orders.

The 36-year-old was charged with 12 shoplifting offences between January 11 and March 8, five breaches of her Community Protection Notice (which included not entering the Co-op and other supermarkets) and two breaches of court bail conditions.

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Harpenden Neighbourhood Sergeant Mark Essam and his team have been working with Messenger, he said: “Messenger has repeated stolen from shops in the district and blatantly breached the conditions of her CPN, which includes not entering named stores in the district.

“We have referred her to the homeless team, open door and district housing support charities and help which is out there, but she has refused help on each occasion. We have tried everything. We are hoping prison will help with her addiction and she will come out in a better place.

“When she comes out of prison, we will work with partners to support visits.”

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