Three people arrested in connection with shop lifting offences in Southport

Three people have been arrested in connection with a shop theft committed in Southport.

At around 12.10pm yesterday, Monday 2 December, officers were called to a report that two women had concealed clothing valued at £800 in their coats and had walked out of JD Sports shop on Chapel Street without paying for them.

Later officers stopped a VW Passat on Moor Lane in Crosby, and following a search of the vehicle found a quantity of new clothes with tags still attached but no receipts for the items.

A 44-year-old man from Ellesmere Port, a 42-year-old woman from Roby, and a 19-year-old woman from Little Stanney in Cheshire were arrested on suspicion of theft.

They are in custody to be questioned by police.

Graham Fisher, Inspector for Neighbourhood Policing in Southport,  said: “Theft from shops is not a victimless crime and has a huge impact on not only the business but the community as well.

“Merseyside Police has launched its annual Christmas campaign, Operation Shepherd, aimed at preventing crime and protecting communities during the festive period.

“This operation will see an increased police presence across Merseyside, with officers patrolling shopping centres, Christmas markets, and other popular festive locations to help keep the public safe.”

If you have any information on a crime taking place, please contact our social media desk on X @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ with any information.

Alternately call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.