Britain's most prolific shoplifter to be released from prison after nearly 400 offences

Liddle's most recent stint behind bars came after breaching a two-year ban imposed by Northumbria police in September. The ban prohibited her from entering almost every shop within the force's jurisdiction.

Her latest arrest occurred in August when she attempted to steal £131 worth of clothes and a handbag from an Asda store. This incident came just a day after she had tried to make off with £72.50 of laundry products from the same shop.

Liddle's extensive criminal history has left local businesses reeling.

One store manager told The Sunday Times: "She was out of prison five weeks ago, that same day she was shoplifting again."

Another manager, speaking to the Daily Mail, said: "We've been plagued by Tanya for many years now. When she's out of prison she tends to try her luck at our shop on almost a daily basis."

Despite her numerous convictions, Liddle has often served only half her sentences.

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This has frustrated her victims, who feel she is not "properly punished".

The shoplifter's reputation for drug use, including heroin and cocaine, has been noted by social workers, although substance misuse did not factor into her latest sentencing.

An analysis of Liddle's 40 most recent charges since June 2020 reveals she has stolen or been accused of stealing £10,496 worth of goods.

Her hauls have ranged from £18 worth of chocolate to £1,500 worth of handbags, with an average value of £256.

The items stolen include a diverse array of products, from cleaning supplies and cosmetics to tech gadgets and even a Pokémon ball.

According to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), shoplifting costs retailers £1.8billion annually.

In 2023, there were more than 430,000 cases reported, many committed by repeat offenders, marking the worst year on record for such crimes.

Emmeline Taylor, a criminology professor at City University said: "The courts have frustrated all options and are not sure what else to do. For drug-addicted offenders, the only effective treatment is rehabilitation."

Liddle is due to be released from prison on Monday. She will remain under supervision until July next year.

However, local shop staff remain sceptical about the effectiveness of her release conditions.