John Barry Rolt, 35, and Victoria Chadwick, 42, both of Bank Street, Newton-le-Willows, have been handed two-year Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) after a series of shop thefts in the town. Under the orders, the pair are prohibited from entering any retail store together anywhere in the country for six months.
Series of thefts investigated
Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team investigated several reported thefts in Newton-le-Willows over the course of a month. The first incident was reported on October 2, when a man was said to have stolen more than £80 worth of alcohol from Tesco.
On October 23, a man stole six jars of coffee from B&M before leaving without paying. He returned to the store the following day and stole a further 15 jars.
Further incidents and charges
Further thefts were reported on October 28, when a man and woman allegedly put around £100 worth of alcohol into a backpack before leaving Tesco without paying. Two days later, approximately £92 worth of cleaning products was stolen from B&M. A further incident saw stock worth around £34 taken from the store.
Following the investigation, Rolt was charged with 13 counts of theft from a shop, and Chadwick was charged with three counts of theft from a shop.
Court orders and sentences
Both appeared at Wirral Adult Remand Court on Wednesday, November 4, where they were handed the CBOs. Rolt has also been banned from entering any B&M, Home Bargains, Tesco, Boots or Spar store nationwide for two years. He was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months.
Chadwick has been banned from entering any B&M or Tesco store across the country for the duration of her two-year order. She was sentenced to 14 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months.
Neighbourhood Inspector Doug Chadwick said: “The persistent shoplifting by Rolt and Chadwick was prolific and had a significant impact on the businesses targeted, which provide an important service to the community.
“Criminal Behaviour Orders continue to be an extremely effective tool, and our successful application in this case demonstrates our commitment to dealing robustly with repeat offenders who have a negative impact on the communities we serve.
“We hope this serves as a clear warning that Merseyside Police will take firm action against prolific offenders, working closely with businesses and partners to tackle retail crime.”
To report a crime, contact Merseyside Police via social media on X or Facebook @MerPolCC, via the force's website, or by calling 101. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.
