Shoplifters Beware! Lancashire Police’s Operation Vulture Is Cracking Down On Shoplifting
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Launched in response to the National Retail Crime Action Plan, Operation Vulture is Lancashire Police’s commitment to crack down on retail crime in the county.
Supported by Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, and the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime (LANPAC), this operation will address retail crime in the county head on through increased patrolling in hotspot areas, proactive approaches to identify and target prolific shoplifters and prioritising scenes where violence was used.
Since the launch of Op Vulture in March of this year, there have been over 2,100 positive outcomes for shoplifting offences, including charges, arrests and criminal behaviour orders (CBOs).
One of the offenders on the receiving end of Op Vulture activity was one of Lancashire’s most prolific shoplifters, Darren McCaul.
McCaul, 33, of Warren Street, Fleetwood, was identified as an offender under Op Vulture, having committed over 200 shoplifting offences since 2021 in Fleetwood and Poulton-Le-Fylde.
The Neighbourhood Policing Team, working together with the Civil Orders Officer, built a file of evidence leading to the application of a Criminal Behaviour Order. The CBO was granted by the courts on the 22nd May 2024 and remains in place for 5 years.
The order requirement means McCaul cannot enter any retail premises with Fleetwood and Poulton-Le-Fylde, as identified on the map.
On 12th October 2024, he has been further sentenced at Preston Magistrates Court to 12 weeks imprisonment for multiple offences of theft from a shop and to one offence of breaching his criminal behaviour order.
The CBO gives the police power to deal with prolific offenders who continue to engage in retail crime and protects business from being the victim of further loss.
Speaking on the topic, Assistant Chief Constable Karen Edwards said:
“Retail crime, including shoplifting and violence towards retail staff, is an issue we simply will not tolerate in Lancashire.
“Operation Vulture is Lancashire Constabulary’s commitment to tackling retail crime, with dedicated activity including plain clothed operations and high visibility patrols in hotspot areas.
“Let me be clear: if you choose to shoplift in Lancashire, you will be identified and will be prosecuted – this may result in a prison sentence.
“No matter their size, ALL retail premises in our county have the right to trade without fear.”
Clive Grunshaw, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire said:
"Shoplifting is a national epidemic and a key concern raised by retailers, shopworkers and customers, alongside anti-social behaviour and the unacceptable abuse of staff. I've spent time with key stakeholders and heard the impact this has on people and businesses, with the knock-on effect for confidence in the policing response.
"Since becoming Commissioner, I've seen what Lancashire Constabulary is doing to improve its response to retail crime and backing Op Vulture to continue improving the service it's delivering for victims of crime, whilst sending a clear message that criminals will be caught and prosecuted, whether they've stolen £10 or £10,000.
"As Commissioner, making Lancashire a safer place to live and work is my primary aim. This can only be achieved through strong leadership, a strong police force and strong deterrents.”
Al Yusuf, LANPAC Manager, added:
“LANPAC is proud to support Lancashire Constabulary’s Operation Vulture, which plays a crucial role in safeguarding our local businesses from retail crime.
“By supporting this initiative, we aim to enhance the safety and security of both retailers and the wider community.
“Collaboration between all partners is key to tackling shoplifting effectively, and we’re committed to backing efforts that strengthen these partnerships and reduce crime across Lancashire”
For more information, visit our dedicated Operation Vulture page.
