Three prolific shoplifters sentenced after police crackdown on retail crime across Hyndburn
Three prolific shoplifters have been sentenced after police intensified their crackdown on retail crime across Hyndburn as part of a national Winter of Action.
Officers have been targeting offenders through Operation Vulture, the force’s county-wide response to shoplifting, with a focus on protecting businesses and shop workers.
Shaun Clark, 34, of Westwood Street, Accrington, was arrested on January 27, 2026, and charged with multiple shoplifting offences.
He appeared at Blackburn Magistrates Court the following day, where he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to ten months in prison.
Clark was also given a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) banning him from entering several stores, including Food Warehouse in Eastgate, Tesco Express on Manchester Road, One Stop on Blackburn Road, ASDA on Hyndburn Road and Aldi on Argyle Street in Accrington, as well as Tesco Superstore on Hill Street in Blackburn.
In a separate incident, Kenneth McEwan, 45, of Trinity Street, Oswaldtwistle, was arrested by officers on foot patrol on January 26 after being caught leaving a shop in Accrington with stolen goods.
He appeared at court on January 28 and was given an eight-week custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to pay compensation.
James Doherty, 64, of no fixed address, was arrested on January 24 after officers again caught him leaving a shop with stolen items.
He appeared at court two days later and was sentenced to eight weeks in prison.
Local neighbourhood inspector for Hyndburn, Mohammed Lorgat, said persistent shoplifting had a serious impact on communities.
“These offences place real pressure on retailers who work hard to serve their communities,” he said.
“The sentencing of these individuals demonstrates that we will not tolerate this behaviour, and we will continue to take robust action against those who repeatedly target our businesses.”
Operation Vulture is backed by Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw and the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime.
Mr Grunshaw said: “I will continue to work alongside the Chief Constable to establish a more proactive approach to shoplifting, with better protection for shop workers and improved relationships between retailers and the police.”