Prolific Fleetwood shoplifter jailed after stealing nearly £1,000 of goods
A prolific shoplifter who targeted multiple stores in Fleetwood has been jailed after stealing almost £1,000 worth of goods.
Darren McCaul, 34, of Warren Street, Fleetwood, stole food, chocolate and gift sets from several shops including Co-op, Tesco Express, One Stop and Go Local.
McCaul committed 12 thefts, with 11 offences taking place over just four days at the start of this month.
His actions also put him in breach of a Criminal Behaviour Order imposed for five years in May 2024.
He was arrested on Chatsworth Avenue last Wednesday and later appeared before Lancaster Magistrates’ Court on November 6, where he pleaded guilty to 12 counts of theft and 12 breaches of his order.
Magistrates jailed McCaul for ten months.
The case forms part of Operation Vulture, Lancashire Constabulary’s county-wide initiative tackling shoplifting.
The operation focuses on hotspot patrols, stronger partnerships with retailers, and intelligence sharing to better identify repeat offenders.
Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said the initiative aims to reduce retail crime and protect both businesses and staff from persistent offenders.