A shoplifter has been jailed after breaching an order preventing her from entering shops in Preston City Centre.

Officers from Lancashire Constabulary were called to Next and Ann Summers on Fishergate on Saturday, 12 April 2025, after reports that perfume gifts sets and other items had been stolen.

Michala Bailey, 48, of Skeffington Road, Preston was arrested nearby and later charged with two counts of theft from a shop and breach of a Criminal Behaviour Order.

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She appeared before Preston Magistrates’ Court yesterday (14 April) where she pleaded guilty to the offences and was sentenced to 8 weeks in prison.

Bailey was handed a Criminal Behaviour Order last August which prevents her from entering city centre stores and shopping centres until 2026

Inspector Dave Byrne, from Preston’s Neighbourhood Policing team, said: “Shoplifting is not a victimless crime and it has a significant impact on local businesses and the communities they serve.

“Through Operation Vulture, we will continue to work with our partners in the fight against shop theft, relentlessly pursuing shoplifters to ensure they are brought before the courts and held accountable for their actions.”

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