Operation Vulture is Lancashire Constabulary’s response to shoplifting across the county, backed by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw.
The operation sees dedicated officers undertaking hotspot patrolling, increasing their visibility in targeted areas and creating strong partnerships with retailers across the county to better share intelligence, get a deeper understanding of retail crime and identify more offenders.
These stories below serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of criminal behaviour within our communities:
21. LeeMuir
Lee Muir, 37, of Sedberg Street, Fulwood entered the home of a man in his 90s under the pretence of being a tradesman, offering to fix the victim’s roof. Once inside, he searched through the cupboards and stole cash before leaving. Muir was sentenced to five years in prison for two residential burglaries, theft, driving whilst disqualified, breach of a community behaviour order and being a trader engaged in unfair practice. | Lancashire Police
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22. Gary Mooney
Gary Mooney, 47, stole bags and a mobile phone from a home in Christ Church Street, Preston on April 8, 2025. He was jailed for 27 months. | Lancashire Police
23. Ellis Vanes
Ellis Vanes of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison after being found guilty of two counts of theft and two counts of Criminal Behaviour Order Breaches. | Lancashire Police
24. Craig Cotton
Craig Cotton robbed a woman at knifepoint outside her flat after asking her for a lighter in Blackburn. He also sprayed another victim in the face with an aerosol during a separate incident, leading to a struggle during which he stole her handbag. The 40-year-old, of Rolleston Road, Blackburn, was charged with robbery following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service. He pleaded guilty to both charges when he appeared at Preston Crown Court in March. He was sentenced to ten years in prison with an additional four years on extended licence after a judge deemed him a dangerous offender. | Lancashire Police