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Police said she “caused significant harm to local shops” with her offending
A “persistent and disruptive” shoplifter who was described as operating “as a professional criminal” has been jailed after entering Cabot Circus.
Rosa Kovacs, 61, was jailed for 34 weeks after pleading guilty to several shop thefts and multiple breaches of a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).
Kovacs, of Pountney Drive in Easton, was sentenced at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday March 10.
On Christmas Eve of last year, she was given a CBO after she repeatedly targeted shops in the Bristol city centre area and was banned from entering Broadmead for five years.
Kovacs had admitted to stealing candles and beauty products from two shops in December.
However, Avon and Somerset Police said she visited Cabot Circus and “carried out several acts” on Saturday, February 28.
She was remanded to court and was given an immediate jail sentence.
The court said “the defendant has a flagrant disregard for court orders” and is “operating as a professional criminal” and no other sentence was suitable.
Police said she was a “persistent and disruptive presence” for shops and has caused “significant harm” to retailers.
Neighbourhood Sergeant Sean Underwood said: “Kovacs has been a persistent and disruptive presence for retailers across Bristol for far too long.
“Her repeated offending has caused significant harm to local shops, many of which are small businesses already under pressure.
“The prison sentence handed down reflects the seriousness of her actions and the impact they’ve had on our community.
“We hope this outcome brings some reassurance to business owners and the public, and we will continue to work closely with partners to tackle prolific offenders and protect our city’s businesses.”
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