A prolific shoplifter, Adam Lees, 38, of no fixed address, has been jailed for 20 weeks and banned from entering several major retail chains across Merseyside following multiple theft convictions.
At Liverpool Magistrates’ Court, Lees was issued a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) that prohibits him from entering branches of Co-Op Food, Sainsburys, John Lewis, Home Bargains, and Go Local Extra within Merseyside.
Additionally, Lees is barred from entering a specified Liverpool city centre area that includes Strand Street, James Street, Castle Street, Dale Street, Crosshall Street, Hood Street, St George’s Place, Lime Street, Renshaw Street, Berry Street, Duke Street, Paradise Street, Liver Street, and Wapping.
The offences leading to his conviction included a recent incident in September where Lees was seen running along Vauxhall Road carrying a large box of confectionery. Staff from Go Local Extra pursued him until officers arrested him on suspicion of theft.
Investigations revealed Lees was responsible for numerous other thefts in the city centre, including stealing chocolates worth nearly £90 and £35 from the Co-Op on Leece Street on consecutive days in July, and stealing creatine worth £70 from Holland & Barrett.
In March, Lees was also charged for breaking into Twin Flavours restaurant and stealing a handbag after unsuccessfully attempting to access a cash register.
Police Constable Warren Ward of the Liverpool City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team praised the court’s action, stating the order provides relief to local businesses plagued by Lees’s repeated offending. The CBO will remain active until September 2028, and the police urge the public to report any breaches.
Constable Ward emphasized Merseyside Police’s commitment to tackling retail crime through partnerships with retailers and security teams, aiming to deter prolific offenders and reassure the community.
