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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:
29. Lee Scott
Lee Scott was jailed for numerous shoplifting offences in Burnley. Scott, 33, of Melrose Avenue, Burnley, was charged with 19 shoplifting offences and six breaches of bail. On October 23, Scott appeared at Blackburn Magistrates' Court where he pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to four months in prison. | Lancashire Police
30. Simon Ferguson
Simon Ferguson was jailed for stealing items from supermarkets across West Lancashire. Ferguson, 34 of Eskbank, Skelmersdale, appeared at Preston Magistrates' Court in October where he pleaded guilty to the offences and was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison. | Lancashire Police
31. Chris Costello Jr
Chris Costello Jr, 36, of Pattern Street, Colne, was given a two-year criminal behaviour order as a result of shoplifting offences. | Lancashire Police
32. Shaun Lally
Shaun Lally, 38, of Monmouth Street, Burnley, was given a a two-year criminal behaviour order as a result of shoplifting offences. | Lancashire Police