A PROLIFIC shoplifter who hurled abuse at staff during a rampage around four stores has been banned from them.

Sadie Griffiths was convicted of the thefts from four stores across Benfleet and Canvey earlier this year.

As well as stealing from the shops, Griffiths, 26, of Merrivale, Benfleet, also hurled abuse at the members of staff who challenged her.

At Basildon Magistrates' Court she was given a community behaviour order which bans her from Sainsbury's in High Road, Benfleet, Co-Op in High Road, Co-Op in Kiln Road, and the Co-Op in Canvey Road, Canvey.

Laura Wiggins, store manager of the Sainsbury’s in High Road, Benfleet said: "We are delighted at the result of the court case and in particular the support from the business crime team in obtaining a criminal behaviour order preventing the suspect from entering the store and abusing employees of Sainsburys."

PC Alex Plakhtienko, from Essex Police's business crime team, said: "We support businesses in our communities across Essex and know the impact shoplifting and theft can have on them.

"We work alongside businesses to help protect them from crime and deal with issues they face.

Sadie Griffiths has been banned from four stores in Benfleet and Canvey

Sadie Griffiths has been banned from four stores in Benfleet and Canvey

"It’s just another way we’re protecting and serving Essex."

Essex Police recently launched the new "Open for Business, Closed for Crime" campaign to tackle violence and abuse against staff.

PC Plakhtienko added: "We are aware retail staff have been suffering violence and abuse, which is unacceptable at any time but especially during the pandemic when so many of them have been serving us throughout.

"Through Open for Business Closed for Crime, we are working with businesses, encouraging them to report incidents to us. If you are a retail worker who is assaulted or abused by a customer whilst at work, please also report it.

"It’s going to be busy for retail now so it’s a good time for us all to give a clear message to potential offenders that assaults on and abuse of public-facing staff will not be tolerated."

Visit essex.police.uk/news/essex/news/news/2021/april/essex-return-to-retail.