A prolific shoplifter has been banned from every Co-op store in England and Wales after action from neighbourhood officers in Stockport.
Anthony John Englishby aged 46 was given a suspended six-month prison sentence when he appeared at Tameside Magistrates’ Court after admitting 10 counts of theft
As part of the sentence, he was also given an exclusion order until May 2027 that prevents him from entering more than 2,000 Co-op shops.
Englishby was arrested in Wythenshawe by officers from the Stockport West Neighbourhood Policing Team after targeting two Co-op stores in Heald Green in March and April this year.
Across Greater Manchester, more than 100 shoplifters per week are being brought to justice.
Arrests for shoplifting in Stockport are up by almost 50% over the past 12 months, while the number of charges has risen by 45%.
Chief Inspector Clare Ryle said: “We understand the frustrations from businesses and the general public when some people feel they are able to shoplift routinely, therefore putting up the cost for everyone else.
“That is why we are tackling shoplifting right across Stockport and taking the necessary action.
“Working closely with local businesses we have been able to reduce shoplifting using Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) that restrict offenders from entering a designated area. This has been an effective tool to prevent further crime.
“The arrest and subsequent prosecution came about from good, proactive police work and shows we will pursue offenders.”
There are currently 12 CBOs in place in Stockport town centre with six coming directly from the work carried out by Operation Rimini, a regular dedicated day of action, to tackle shoplifting.
