Two men jailed after shoplifting offences in Blackburn

On September 4, police officers arrested a man following an investigation into a number of thefts that had taken place at various businesses across Blackburn.

On Thursday, September 5, Scott Chinnery, 35, of no fixed address, appeared in court where he pleaded guilty to the charges and was jailed for 36 weeks.  

Scott Chinnery has been jailed for shoplifting offences (Image: Police) On September 10, officers arrested a second man following an investigation into several more thefts that has taken place at various businesses across Blackburn.

David Yates, 39, of no fixed address, was charged with 14 shoplifting offences and two breaches of a criminal behaviour order in relation to these incidents.

On Wednesday, September 11, Yates appeared in court where he pleaded guilty to the charges and was jailed for 22 weeks.

David Yates has been jailed for shoplifting offences (Image: Police) Sergeant Mike Hindmarsh, from Blackburn Police, said: “Shoplifting can have a huge impact on businesses, shop staff and our local communities.

“This is a positive result which will hopefully provide reassurance that we take this crime very seriously and will continue to work closely with our partners to ensure that shoplifters are brought to justice.”

Operation Vulture is Lancashire Police’s response to shoplifting across the county, backed by Lancashire's police and crime commissioner Clive Grunshaw and the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime (LANPAC). 

The operation sees dedicated officers undertaking hotspot patrolling, increasing their visibility in targeted areas and creating strong partnerships with retailers across the county to better share intelligence, get a deeper understanding of retail crime and identify more offenders.