A couple who admitted a string of shoplifting offences, including stealing 21 jars of coffee, have been banned from every Tesco and B&M store in England for two years. John Barry Rolt, 35, and Victoria Chadwick, 42, were handed a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) at Wirral Magistrates' Court on November 4.
Theft spree in Newton-le-Willows
The pair were linked to a series of reported thefts in their hometown of Newton-le-Willows, near St Helens, Merseyside, last month. On October 23, Rolt took six jars of coffee from a B&M store and walked out without paying. The following day he returned and stole another 15 jars of coffee.
On October 28, the couple left a Tesco store with £100 of alcohol. Two days later they took £92 of cleaning products from B&M, then returned shortly after and stole another £34 of stock.
Court orders and sentences
Merseyside Police officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team investigated the thefts and later arrested the couple, who admitted the offences. Rolt pleaded guilty to 13 counts of theft from a shop, while Chadwick admitted three counts.
As part of the CBO, Rolt cannot enter any B&M, Home Bargains, Tesco, Boots or Spar store in England for two years. He was sentenced to 20 weeks' imprisonment, suspended for 12 months. Chadwick is banned from entering any B&M or Tesco store in England and Wales for two years, and was sentenced to 14 weeks' imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.
Both were also ordered not to enter any retail premises together in England and Wales for the first six months of the order.
Police response to retail crime
Inspector Doug Chadwick of Merseyside Police 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."
He added: "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."
The case comes as official data shows police forces across England and Wales, excluding the British Transport Police, recorded 502,011 shoplifting offences in 2025-26 alone. More than half of those investigations were closed with no suspect identified. The government says it is exploring other avenues of tackling prolific shoplifting, in addition to prison sentences and drug treatment, such as technology or court orders preventing offenders from visiting certain shops or areas.
