A round-up of crime stories from across Lancashire
Shoplifter in jumper theft
A thief stole clothing from a Preston city centre store. The incident happened at BHS on Fishergate at 1.50pm on Sunday. A man stole a sweater, worth £35, from a clothing rail. Contact Lancashire police on 101 with any information on the crime.
Killer charged with fleeing jail
A convicted killer has been charged with escaping from lawful custody. Brian Lynch, 44, will appear before Preston magistrates today after allegedly failing to return to Kirkham Prison from a day release visit to Preston. A 40-year-old woman arrested after his disappearance has been bailed.
Vandals crack house window
Police are appealing for information after a house was attacked by vandals in Preston. The yobs struck on Holme Slack Lane overnight on Sunday. They smashed a window and fled.
Docks damage
Police are investigating reports of damage to flag stones and lighting systems around Preston Dock basin. The next PACT meeting is on April 8 from 6.30pm at Ashton Methodist Church.
Beef thief flees from food hall
A shoplifter who stole meat from a Marks and Spencer store is being sought by police in Preston. A man entered the Deepdale Retail Park branch at 11.30am on Monday. He headed straight for the chilled aisle, lifted two large joints of beef and fled the store. The stolen meat was worth £54. Contact Lancashire police on 101 with any information on the theft.
Appeal after drinks theft
Police are trying to trace a shoplifter who stole from a convenience store near a motorway junction. A man enetered the Spar shop on Bluebell Way, Fulwood, Preston, on Monday evening. He spent 10 minutes browsing the aisles before running off with a bottle of Red Bull and three bottles of water. The stolen items were worth almost £4.