Five people charged with shoplifting offences in Knowsley

Five people have been charged in connection with a series of shoplifting incidents in Knowsley last month.

Officers from Knowsley's Neighbourhood Team investigated a number of shop thefts that have been committed across the borough by different suspects.

Two people were arrested after enquiries were conducted following several reports that a man and a woman had stolen from supermarkets and stores in Huyton and Prescot throughout March.

In one incident a man stole face creams and makeup valued at £250 from Rowlands Pharmacy in Prescot. In a separate incident a man stole food and an electric toothbrush worth nearly £80 from B&M in Huyton. Later that afternoon the suspect re-entered the store and concealed four electric toothbrushes valued at more than £90 in his jacket and made no attempts to pay for the goods.

Stephen Hughes, 54 years, from Stockbridge Village, has been charged with seven counts of theft, robbery, public order and handling stolen goods. He has been remanded into custody until the next court hearing at a later date.

While Jennifer McKevitt, 44 years, from Huyton has been charged with two counts of theft and robbery. She has been released on conditional bail until the next court hearing at a later date.

On 17 March, it was reported that a man stole three hair curlers and other items from B&M on St Chads Parade in Kirkby. Officers carried out CCTV enquires and last week a man was arrested.

Adam Rothwell, 38 years, of Thistley Hey Road in Southdene, Kirkby has been charged with 10 counts of theft from a shop. He appeared at Wirral Adult Remand Court yesterday (Tuesday 7 April).

While on Friday 27 March it was reported that a woman had stolen food from shops based at Whiston Hospital, and committed a further theft at WH Smith on Sunday 29 March.

Deborah Yates, 39 years, of Lower Longshoot in Wigan was charged for four counts of theft shop and breach of a community protection notice. She appeared at Liverpool Magistrates Court yesterday (Tuesday 7 April).

Finally on Tuesday 31 March we received a report that a man put two olive trees worth nearly £200 into a trolley and left The Range in Prescot without paying.

Mark Eastham, 56 years, of Mottram Close in Northwood, Kirkby has been charged with theft from shop and common assault. He has been released on conditional bail until the next court hearing at a later date.

Knowsley's Neighbourhood Inspector Raymond Mavrakakis said: “Theft from shops is not a victimless crime, and the ripple effect can be devastating where staff can lose their jobs if the store closes due to constantly losing stock. Theft from stores also impacts shoppers as retailers may then have to raise their prices to make up for the loss of goods stolen.

"We recognise the important role that policing plays in tackling offenders and supporting retailers in reducing the number of offences committed and in keeping their staff safe.

"We regularly patrol areas the community tells us they have concerns about, and provide advice and reassurance. We also visit local businesses and discuss practical ways they can help protect their business from thefts and robberies.”

To report a crime you can contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre.

You can also report information via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or call 101.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously. In an emergency always call 999.