Man charged with 25 offences in Liverpool

A man has been charged in connection with three shop thefts which occurred in the space of an hour in Woolton.

On Sunday 31 May we received a report that a man had stolen goods valued at nearly £120 from the Co-Op store on Speke Road by entering three times within an hour, passing the payment areas without making any attempt to pay.

Officers attended and following a search of the area arrested a man.

Yesterday (Tuesday 2 June), Anthony James Gallagher, 40 years, of no fixed address, was charged with 25 offences comprising of 12 thefts, 12 breaches of a Community Behaviour Order and threatening behaviour.

Gallagher has been remanded into custody for trial on Tuesday 30 June.

Local Policing Sergeant Steven Hunter said: “Shoplifting has a negative impact on the community, and it is not a victimless crime. The ripple effect can be devastating where staff can lose their jobs if the store closes due to constantly losing stock.

“In addition, 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 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.

"Where there is evidence that leads to identification of a suspect we will pursue action through the courts if appropriate."

To report a crime taking place contact the Merseyside Police social media desk @MerPolCC on X and Facebook. 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.