Lancashire Police have increased town centre patrols as part of Operation Vulture and the Safer Streets of Summer initiative to combat retail crime and support local businesses.
As a result, two Burnley men were arrested and sentenced for multiple shoplifting offenses. David Hogson Smith, of Hudson Street, was charged with three shoplifting incidents. He pleaded guilty at Blackburn Magistrates Court and received a 16-week custodial sentence suspended for 12 months. Smith was also issued a two-year criminal behaviour order, banning him from several shops in Burnley, and given a drug and alcohol rehabilitation order to address his offending.
Mark Tomlinson, who has no fixed address in Burnley, was arrested for shoplifting and two assaults on police officers. Having previously been convicted of 18 thefts, Tomlinson pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 24 weeks in custody.
Police Sergeant Victoria Bramley emphasized the force’s commitment to listening to the community and tackling shoplifting to protect local businesses. She noted that police continue to act swiftly against offenders, with two police community support officers recently apprehending another prolific shoplifter during this crackdown.
