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:
25. Brendan Queen
Brendan Queen, 29 of Grange Street, Padiham, was issued a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court on May 20. The order prohibited him from entering numerous stores including Aldi and SPAR. | Lancashire Police
26. Liam O’Reilly
Liam O’Reilly stole electrical items, alcohol and skincare from multiple stores in Blackburn during July and August. O’Reilly, 45, of no fixed address, appeared at Blackburn Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to theft and was jailed for 41 weeks. He was also issued with a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order which prevented him from entering numerous stores. | Lancashire Police
27. Stuart Astley
Stuart Astley, 43, of Caister Close, Skelmersdale, was arrested on Monday in connection with a series of thefts from B&M and Co-Op stores in Skelmersdale and Upholland. Astley was charged with three counts of shop theft and four breaches of a criminal behaviour order (CBO). He was handed the order last month, which prohibits him from entering Tawd Valley Retail Park or any B&M store nationwide. Appearing at Preston Magistrates’ Court yesterday, Astley pleaded guilty to all offences and was sentenced to four months in prison. | Lancashire Police
28. Lee Mullen
Lee Mullen, 38, of no fixed address, was convicted of various shoplifting offences. He appeared before Lancaster Magistrates Court on August 7 where he was sentenced to six weeks in prison. Mullen was also jailed for 18 weeks for a separate offence of theft from a person and making a false representation. As well as the jail terms, he was also given a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) banning him from numerous stores and Lancaster city centre. | Lancashire Police