Shoplifter jailed after breaching store ban in Merthyr

A woman who repeatedly targeted shops in Merthyr Tydfil has been handed a prison sentence after she broke the terms of a court order banning her from several stores.

Hannah O’Brien, 26, from Merthyr, was issued a Community Protection Notice after she continued to commit retail crime across the town despite being offered support on multiple occasions.

The notice specifically barred O’Brien from entering TK Maxx, Tesco and Farmfoods in Merthyr Tydfil.

However, she went on to breach those conditions, and on Friday 14 February appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court, where she was sentenced to eight weeks in custody.

PC Liam Jones from the Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “We are working closely with retailers and businesses across Merthyr Tydfil to protect them from crime and anti social behaviour committed by individuals like Hannah O’Brien. Retail crime is not a victimless crime — it has a significant impact on shopworkers and retailers, with many facing financial hardship and intimidation. It puts stores at risk of closure and jobs at risk. It will not be tolerated, and we will use all powers available to hold offenders to account.”