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Operation Vulture is Lancashire Constabulary’s response to shoplifting across the county, backed by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw and the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime (LANPAC).
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.
Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: "As Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner, I will continue to work alongside the Chief Constable to establish a more proactive approach to shoplifting, with better protection for shop workers and improved relationships between retailers and the police.”
Here are the faces of 37 prolific shoplifters that were punished for their crimes this year:
21. Sean Kellett
Officers were called to Boots on Fishergate following reports that beauty products worth around £402 were taken from the store on October 8. Following multiple enquiries, a 36-year-old man was arrested and charged with five counts of theft from a shop. Sean Kellett, 36, of no fixed address, appeared in court on October 10 and pleaded guilty to the charges. He was sentenced to 52 weeks in prison. | Lancashire Police
22. Alan Morris
Alan Morris was jailed after he was caught with the help of two eagle-eyed and brave six-year-old girls. The 31-year-old, of no fixed address, was arrested and handed a nine-month prison sentence and a three year criminal behaviour order which bans him from entering any Asda and Tesco stores in Blackpool. | Lancashire Police
23. Olivia McNeil
Olivia McNeil, 38, received a two-year criminal behaviour order (CBO) for shoplifting offences in the Blackpool area. She was banned from entering multiple stores including Tesco, HMV and B&M Bargains. | Lancashire Police
24. Sabrina Lyttle
Officers attended the Boots store on Bank Hey Street following reports various items had been stolen. A 47-year-old woman was arrested at the scene and later charged with eight counts of theft from a shop. Sabrina Lyttle, of Lune Grove, Blackpool, appeared at Lancaster Magistrates Court in November. She was subsequently sentenced to eight weeks in prison. | Lancashire Police