A PROLIFIC criminal has been banned from nearly every town centre shop in both Colchester and Braintree.

Victoria Pickford, of Alexandra Road, Colchester, was handed the two-year ban for “shoplifting and using threatening and intimidating behaviour to shoppers and retailers”.

The 18-year-old was given the anti-social behaviour order at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

A spokeswoman for Colchester Borough Council said Pickford was banned from Braintree because of similar incidents at Braintree Freeport.

She added: “On Monday, September 3, Colchester Magistrates’ Court found that Victoria Pickford, 18, had acted in a manner which caused harassment, alarm and distress.

“It was decided that an order was necessary to protect people living in the Colchester and Braintree district from further anti-social acts by her.

“Pickford has been a prolific offender in Colchester town centre, shoplifting and using threatening and intimidating behaviour to shoppers and retailers.”

Councillor Tim Young, portfolio holder for planning, community safety and culture, said: “I am pleased that this order has been granted by the court. It should give a clear message that anti-social behaviour which causes harassment and distress will not be tolerated in Colchester. We will use all available avenues to stop offenders.

“This is an excellent example of joint working, with the fantastic efforts of the council’s anti-social behaviour team in partnership with Essex Police and the Colchester Business Against Crime network getting a positive result that will protect the local community.”

The ban is for retail premises on Colchester and Braintree town centres, but does not extend to food and grocery businesses, such as supermarkets.