Friday, January 30, 2026
As part of the national Winter of Action, Hyndburn Police are continuing to crack down on shoplifting through Operation Vulture.
Three men have been sentenced after a number of thefts in the Hyndburn area.
On the 27th January 2026, Shaun Clark, 34, of Westwood Street, Accrington was arrested and charged for multiple shoplifting offences. He appeared at Blackburn Magistrates Court on the 28th January 2026, where he pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced to ten months in prison.
Clark was also issued with a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) for three years preventing him from entering or attempting to enter the following stores:
· Food warehouse, Eastgate, Accrington
· Tesco Express, Manchester Road, Accrington
· Tesco Superstore, Hill St, Blackburn
· One Stop, Blackburn Rd, Accrington
· ASDA, Hyndburn Rd, Accrington
· ALDI, Argyle St, Accrington
On the 26th January 2026, Kenneth McEwan, 45, of Trinity Street, Oswaldtwistle, was arrested by officers on foot patrol where he was caught leaving a shop in Accrington with stolen goods. He appeared at Blackburn Magistrates Court on the 28th January 2026, where he was given an eight-week custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to pay compensation.
On 24th January 2026, James Doherty, 64, of no fixed address, was arrested by officers on foot patrol where he was caught leaving a shop in Accrington with stolen goods. Doherty appeared at Blackburn Magistrates Court on the 26th January 2026 and was sentenced to eight weeks in prison.
Local Neighbourhood Inspector for Hyndburn, Inspector Mohammed Lorgat, said: “We recognise the significant impact that persistent shoplifting has on our local community, not only in terms of financial loss to businesses but also the wider effect it has on staff, shoppers, and feelings of safety within our town centres. These offences place real pressure on retailers who work hard to serve their communities, and we are committed to ensuring they are protected.
“The sentencing of these individuals demonstrates that we will not tolerate this behaviour, and we will continue to take robust action against those who repeatedly target our businesses.
“Our officers will keep working closely with shop owners, partners, and the public to identify offenders, gather evidence, and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”
Operation Vulture is Lancashire Constabulary’s response to shoplifting across the county, backed by Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw and the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime (LANPAC).
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.”
