Thursday, July 23, 2026
Officers from West Lancashire’s Neighbourhood Policing team and Task Force have carried out a co-ordinated operation targeting suspected prolific shoplifters who are believed to be travelling into West Lancashire to commit offences before returning to addresses in Merseyside and Greater Manchester.
The operation, which took place on Wednesday 22nd July 2026, saw teams visit a number of addresses outside the county as part of an intelligence-led effort to tackle retail crime and protect local businesses.
Working with partner forces, officers conducted searches at residential addresses linked to suspected offenders, with the aim of gathering evidence, recovering stolen property and identifying links to wider criminality.
As part of the activity, which happened following information provided by the public, retailers and local communities, seven civil orders banning individuals from stores and areas were issued.
A 50-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft from a shop, and we can now tell you that Andrew Kelly, 50, of Grey Road, Liverpool is charged with five counts of shop theft. He has been released on bail and will appear at Preston Magistrates Court on 13th August 2026.
PC Dave Fairclough from West Lancashire’s Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “As part of Operation Vulture, our countywide crackdown on retail crime, we are continuing to work closely with neighbouring forces, acting on information from the public, identifying suspects, pursuing offenders and disrupting criminal activity.
"We would like to thank everyone who continues to report information to us.
Community intelligence is vital in helping us tackle retail crime and keep West Lancashire safe."
Anyone with information about shoplifting or suspicious activity is encouraged to report it to police via 101 or online at www.lancashire.police.uk. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.