Abusive shoplifter is banned from stores
ASHOPLIFTER has been banned from stores across Widnes and Runcorn after subjecting staff to threatening and abusive behaviour.
Peter Lunt, 50, of Eversley, Widnes, was slapped with a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) at North Cheshire Magistrates’ Court on Monday, February 10.
Cheshire police said Lunt was often drunk when he committed his offences.
A force spokesman said many of the offences left staff alarmed and distressed.
The shoplifter’s latest theft happened at Quality Save on Widnes Road on Saturday, November 23, for which he was convicted on Monday, January 13.
His CBO bans him from: Entering any retail premises in Widnes while under the influence of alcohol.
Going to the St John’s Unit health centre on Alforde Street, Widnes, while under the influence of alcohol.
Placing items for sale in anything other than a shopping bag, basket or trolley provided in store.
Conceal items prior to paying for them.
Entering any of the following stores in Widnes: Asda, Widnes Road; Savers, Albert Square; Wilko, Widnes Shopping Park; TJ Hughes, Green Oaks Way; Marks & Spencer, Widnes Shopping Park; Holland & Barrett, Albert Road; Boots, Widnes Shopping Park; Iceland, Albert Square Centre; Lloyds Pharmacy, Hough Green Road; Morrisons, Green Oaks Way; Quality Save, Widnes Road; and B&M, Earle Road.
Entering any of the following stores in Runcorn: Argos, The Shopping City; and Well Runcorn, Grangeway.
Sergeant Steve Owen, of
Hale Road, WIDNES, CHESHIRE, WA 8 8SZ 0151 4242207 widnes.peugeot.co.uk
Cheshire Constabulary’s Problem Solving Team, who applied for the CBO, said: “These preventative orders are designed to stop persistent offenders committing further offences.
“They are only ever applied for and imposed as a last resort.
“In Peter Lunt’s case, not only has he committed a spate of shoplifting offences in recent years but he has often been abusive and threatening to staff when challenged about his stealing.
“Lunt has usually been under the influence of alcohol when committing these offences, which have plagued the retail community in Widnes in particular.
“No-one should feel threatened or intimidated by the actions of others and we will use whatever powers we have at our disposal to tackle such offending.
“I hope the CBO has the desired effect and prevents retail premises in
Widnes and Runcorn from being targeted by this persistent shoplifter who has persistently shown no consideration at all for the effects his unacceptable behaviour has had on shop workers.
“I also hope that Lunt changes his ways, for the good of himself as well as for the good of those who own or work at retail premises in Halton.”
Anyone who encounters Lunt breaching any of the above restrictions is asked to contact Cheshire Constabulary on 101 to report it.