Police in Bath have emphasized their commitment to tackling retail crime, highlighting the significant impact it has on local businesses and residents. Recently, two women believed to be central to a series of thefts across the city have been sentenced for their offenses.
Katie Jane Self, 47, currently of no fixed address, was convicted of nine shop thefts and seven breaches of a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO). She received an eight-week prison sentence at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on September 26. Her crimes targeted several prominent High Street retailers throughout Bath.
Yasmin Harwood, 24, also with no fixed address, admitted guilt to five shop thefts and three racially aggravated public order offenses. At the same court hearing, she was sentenced to an 18-month community order, including a 25-day rehabilitation program, ordered to pay £114 in compensation, and placed under a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order. This CBO prohibits her from entering certain areas of Bath city centre and prohibits access to specific retailers.
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Harwood’s offenses extended beyond theft, involving racial abuse and threats toward an individual in a particular shop, impacting the community’s sense of safety.
Inspector Dudley Bond of Bath city centre stated, “Self and Harwood’s persistent offenses have caused significant harm to businesses and disrupted community wellbeing. Retail crime deeply concerns us, particularly our neighbourhood teams who witness its consequences firsthand. We are collaborating closely with retailers and partner agencies to address these issues firmly.”
Inspector Bond stressed the importance of public cooperation, urging people and business owners to report suspected crime immediately through emergency or non-emergency channels. “The information we gather helps us create a comprehensive understanding of criminal activities and strengthen our response,” he added.