Man from Southport handed two year Criminal Behaviour Order

A man from Southport has been banned from entering eight stores across Sefton after he was handed a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order.

Craig Walsh, 38, of Braemer Avenue in Southport appeared at Liverpool Magistrate’s Court yesterday, Tuesday 9 June and the CBO will now be in place until June 2028. The order has been issued after Walsh was charged with five shop theft offences from supermarkets and stores in Birkdale, Southport and Formby.

Walsh is currently in prison for a separate robbery offence and was remanded into custody on 5 May.

The CBO prohibits Walsh from entering B&M Express, Morrisons, Tesco Express, Tesco and Central 12 retail park in Southport. Walsh is also banned from Boots in Formby, Spar and Aldi in Birkdale.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Graham Fisher said: "Walsh targeted numerous retailers across Sefton which can have a devastating effect on employers leading to staff losing their jobs and prices rising as businesses seek to make up for the lost revenue and more.

“Through the work of the Merseyside Anti-Social Behaviour Partnership, Neighbourhood Policing Teams and the Preventative Orders Team residents in Sefton can expect to see an increase in Criminal Behaviour Orders which are powerful tools in dealing with repeat offenders.

"We remain committed to supporting our local communities and retailers in Sefton, by taking firm action against these criminals and preventing these crimes.”

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.