Thursday, August 21, 2025
A prolific shoplifter who targeted stores across Blackburn has been jailed and issued with a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).
Liam O’Reilly stole electrical items, alcohol and skincare from multiple stores during July and August.
On Wednesday (20th August 2025), he appeared at Blackburn Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to theft and was jailed for 41 weeks.
O’Reilly, 45, of no fixed address was also issued with a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order which prevents him from entering the following places:
· Townsmoor Retail Park, Blackburn
· Tesco Bank Top, Blackburn
· Any One Stop Shop in Blackburn
Inspector Pete Norris from Blackburn’s Neighbourhood Policing team said: "Shoplifting has a significant impact on local businesses and the communities they serve. It is not a victimless crime.
"Through Operation Vulture, we will continue to work alongside our partners to ensure that shoplifters are brought before the courts and held accountable for their actions.
Operation Vulture is Lancashire Constabulary’s response to shoplifting across the county, backed by Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw.
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.