Notorious shoplifting gang to be targeted by Crown Office

Prosecutors have begun proceedings to dismantle the criminal empire built by the UK’s most notorious shoplifting gang.

Jean McGovern and Annette Daniel orchestrated high-value stealing sprees across the country, including a £35,000 raid on luxury store Harrods.

Their faces became so well known to security guards the pair used wigs and hats as disguises, and even covered up with burkhas.

Both are behind bars, having been caged last month for targeting Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh and taking designer bags, clothes and make-up.

It’s now emerged Crown Office officials have moved against McGovern, 47, and are believed to be using proceeds of crime laws to target her home in the Springburn area of Glasgow.

Documents obtained from Registers of Scotland show she bought the property in 2001 for £78,995.

A spokesperson for the Judicial Office for Scotland revealed fresh proceedings against McGovern and her property were under way.

Daniel, who is the sister of crime boss Jamie Daniel, has already been stung for £25,000 under the proceeds of crime laws.

Last month she admitted living a “criminal lifestyle” but insisted she only had £645 to her name.

Despite her claims of poverty, Crown prosecutors insisted she owned a house in the Ruchill area of Glasgow, which she bought in 1995 using her partner’s surname, Martin.

Sheriff William Gilchrist said he was satisfied she owned the house and ordered she paid the full amount within six months.

On Friday, the 52-year-old appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court and admitted stealing almost £1000 of clothes from designer shop Hollister on October 1 while she was on bail.

Her co-accused, 20-year-old Declan Paxton, from Ruchill, Glasgow, also pled guilty to the charge. Sentence was deferred, with Daniel remanded in custody and Paxton released on bail.

McGovern, due to be released from prison next month, is the cousin of murderer Paul McGovern, 40, and drug dealer Tony McGovern, 35, who was shot dead in 2000.