A MAN has been jailed and issued with a banning order for assault and multiple shoplifting offences in Wirral.

Joshua Chase, 24, of no fixed address, but formerly from Liscard, was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison and issued with a four-year and four months banning order at Sefton Magistrates Court.

Chase pleaded guilty to 14 counts of theft from different shops in New Ferry and Croft Retail Park in Bebington, all of which took place in March and April this year. 

On September 16, the court heard that he would fill carrier bags full of stock and leave the store without paying. On one occasion he entered Heron Foods on New Chester Road and took 13 blocks of cheese worth £45 then left the shop.

In another incident he took goods from Iceland on New Chester Road and when confronted by an employee he brandished a knife and threatened them.

Chase also targeted Premier on New Chester Road and stole several packets of bacon worth more than £48. He returned a few days later and took a couple of bottles of whiskey from the shelf worth nearly £70 and made off. He then returned later that evening and stole a bottle of vodka worth £40 without paying.

In another instance he also stole packets of steak from Lidl on Oxton Road.

Under a Criminal Behaviour Order, Chase is now banned from entering all Heron Foods store, Iceland, and Aldi store in the borough. He is also excluded from two zones in New Ferry and the Croft Retail Park until January 2029.

Neighbourhood Inspector Nicola Hughes said: “Chase would brazenly steal stock and walk out of the shop without paying for the goods. He was identified on a number of occasions of stealing large quantities of items from different stores in New Ferry and Croft Retail Park.

“He would often be aggressive and threaten staff by stating he had a knife and brandished a knife on one occasion.  

“Theft from shops is not a victimless crime and has a huge impact on not only the business but the community as well in many ways, especially small shops trying to make an honest living.

“We hope this serves as a clear warning to others, that the force will robustly take steps to address prolific offenders, working with businesses and partners.”

Anyone with information on suspected theft or anti-social behaviour can to speak to local officers, report to us online, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.