Shoplifter jailed

A Lincoln woman who pleaded guilty to eight breaches of a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), and nine counts of shop theft has been jailed for almost a year.

Tanita Burton, 34, of St Rumbold Street, appeared before officials at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday and was sentenced to 48 weeks in prison.

She had breached a court order eight times between 28 January 2024 and 1 March 2025. Under the conditions of a CBO issued on 18 December 2024, Burton was prohibited from entering any retail premise in the City of Lincoln other than Tesco, Wragby Road and the Coop Pharmacy on Monks Road, Lincoln. 

This sentencing is part of a wider county-wide police crackdown on anti-social behaviour (ASB). 

Officers  are using CBOs to tackle ASB, working with the offenders in the first instance to address their behaviour via support, advice and relevant partner referrals. If that is rejected, then we look to take more robust action. 

A CBO is a civil order designed to tackle the most serious and persistent anti-social individuals when their behaviour has brought them before a criminal court. The orders mean there are now enforceable rules on where they can and cannot go.

If a CBO is breached, this is a criminal offence, and a custodial sentence can be enforced. For the most serious offences, this can be up to five years.

Burton’s criminality spanned the county from Lincoln to Louth, which saw Response and Neighbourhood Policing Teams from both areas collaborating to apprehend her to bring her before the courts this week.

“We remain dedicated to tackling anti-social behaviour and its broader criminality despite our limited resources,” said a Lincolnshire Police spokesperson.

“We know how this impacts our community. Using legislative measures, such as issuing CBOs, is a key component of our broader strategy to prevent crime. Individuals issued with CBOs are carefully monitored and provided with support, guidance, and referrals to relevant partners. However, any repeat offences in our shops are addressed without delay.

“This type of behaviour has no place in our county, and we are determined to create a safe and welcoming environment for all who live, work, and visit Lincolnshire.”