Man jailed for stealing from multiple shops in Speke and threatening staff

A man from Liverpool has been jailed and issued a criminal behaviour order after shop workers were threatened and items were stolen from numerous shops across the Speke retail shopping areas. 

On Thursday 20th July 2023, the suspect was arrested by officers on suspicion of theft shops offences, burglary, breach of a restraining order, common assaults and being wanted on warrant.  

Anthony Gallagher, aged 37, of Old Farm Mews, Speke was sentenced to 50 weeks and issued a three-year criminal behaviour which bans him from entering any shops in Speke, New Mersey Retail Park, Boulevard Retail Park, Penketh Drive Retail Park, NISA Local, South Parade and entering any Home Bargains within the county of Merseyside.

Gallagher appeared at Liverpool Magistrates Court yesterday (Monday 24 July) after he was charged with 14 counts of thefts from shops, two counts of assault, burglary, breach of a restraining order and three outstanding warrants.

Inspecter Joanne Jacob said: “Gallagher was a prolific shoplifter in Speke and threatened the livelihood of many shop owners in the area who were just doing their jobs.

“On one occasion alone, he was caught with items worth more than £350 stolen from a shop. Thefts from businesses is not a victimless crime and many shop workers were affected by Gallagher’s criminality and behaviour during the commission of these offences.

“This order will provide welcome relief and reassurance for all, and should he breach this order he will face a further jail sentence.”

Anyone with information on theft offences in your area can speak to local officers or contact police @MerPolCC.  Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.