A WOMAN has pleaded guilty to theft after being caught in the act by a Police Community Support Officer in a BP patrol station in Harlow.

Alice Smith, 40, of Sheldon Close, Harlow, was already banned from the town centre and from entering any BP petrol stations but PCSO Emma Stevens from Harlow Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) spotted her in the BP on the A414.

Officers from Harlow LPT attended the scene and Smith was arrested after being found with goods she had failed to pay for. She was also charged with breach of a Criminal Behaviour Order and a breach of court bail.

She pleaded guilty to the theft and will appear for sentencing on 14 August 2026.

T/Inspector Gemma Mariner of Harlow NPT said: “This incident highlights the vital role that PCSOs play in identifying offenders and working alongside our neighbourhood policing officers to combat retail crime and protect local businesses.

“Shop theft is not a victimless crime, and it feeds into other forms of criminality. We are working closely with retailers to target and arrest thieves and anyone who comes to Harlow with the intention of offending should be warned – you are being watched.

“I would also like to remind anyone who’s been issued a Criminal Behaviour Order that it is a criminal offence to breach it. If you fail to abide by its terms, you will find yourself in even more trouble.”