PROLIFIC shoplifters have been banned from shops for up to two years after stealing sprees.

Gemma Reed, 38, has been barred from entering shops across Basildon, while Daniel Teelan, 46, has been ordered not to enter five of the borough’s shops.

It follows separate shoplifting sprees by the crooks earlier this year.

Reed, of Orchid Place, has been to keep out of 14 shops in Basildon town centre in total.

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

“We have taken action to ensure prolific shoplifters can no longer target and cause harm to businesses in and around Basildon town centre.

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

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

Reed was convicted of a series of thefts from stores in and around town centre which took place in February.

The crook was also convicted of using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress and obstructing a constable in the execution of duty.

The convictions come as Essex Police launched its open for business closed for crime campaign.

The shops Reed is banned from include Boots, Asda, Specsavers, JD Sports, Home Bargains, Holland & Barrett and several others.

Teelan, of Henderson Gardens, Wickford, has been barred from two Co-op stores, a Tesco on Southend Road, a BP petrol station on Cranfield Park Road, and Deichmann in the Eastgate Centre.