Fleetwood Police Continue Crack Down on Shoplifting

Monday, October 12, 2026

hrough Operation Vulture, Fleetwood Police have been tackling shoplifting and retail crime across the town.

Operation Vulture is Lancashire Constabulary’s response to shoplifting across the county, supported 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.

In Fleetwood, this work has recently resulted in:

  • Aidan Riches, 29yrs old of Lingfield Road, Fleetwood, was arrested by our officers on Saturday 19th September 2026 on suspicion of six shoplifting offences, after calls came from multiple stores across Thornton-Cleveleys reporting a man entering the stores, taking items such as laundry detergent and leaving without making an attempt to pay. He was later charged will all six offences and was sentenced to eight weeks jail at Lancaster Magistrates’ Court on Monday 21st September.
  • Connor Newsham, 28, of no fixed abode was arrested on Tuesday 6th October 2026 on suspicion of four counts of shoplifting after CCTV footage showed a man committing multiple shoplifting offences between 5th September 2026 and 18th September 2026. The offences took place at Co-Operative Food on Larkholme Parade, Boots on Lord Street and Home Bargains at Affinity Outlet, totalling £270. Newsham was later charged with all four offences before being remanded in custody. He appeared before Lancaster Magistrates Court on Wednesday 7th October, where he received a custodial sentence of two weeks.

Aidan Riches

Connor Newsham

Sgt Andy Hill of Fleetwood Police said: “We take reports of shoplifting very seriously and we know these offences can have a lasting impact on the store workers and the wider community.

“I would continue to encourage stores in the Wyre area to report shoplifting to us so we can build a true picture of shoplifting, target resources appropriately and ultimately reduce offending in the area.

“To report a shoplifting that has already occurred, please call 101. If they are using or threatening violence, or the crime is in progress, call 999 immediately.”