Serial Shoplifters Banned from Supermarkets After Getting Caught in Police Crackdown

Two serial shoplifters who made a habit of targeting stores across Lancashire have been slapped with a five-year ban from entering several popular shops after being hauled into court.

Sarah Healey, 42, and Charlie Woodcock, 31, were both handed Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) at Blackburn Magistrates Court on 31 July. The orders mean they’re now barred from a list of shops across the county, including big names like Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, and B&M, reported the Mirror.

The pair’s long-running shoplifting spree finally came to an end thanks to a new police crackdown aimed at curbing petty crime in local communities. Lancashire Police confirmed that Healey has also been ordered to undergo rehabilitation activity and pay compensation as part of her sentencing, reported the Express.

The arrests were part of Operation Vulture, a fresh initiative by Lancashire Police that’s laser-focused on tackling shoplifting and other low-level crimes. Backed by Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, the operation is all about taking a tougher, more visible stance against persistent offenders.

Dedicated officers are now patrolling crime hotspots more frequently, working directly with retailers, and sharing intelligence more effectively. The goal is to stamp out retail crime by targeting known offenders and making it harder for others to slip through the net.

As part of their CBOs, both Healey and Woodcock have been banned from specific stores where they’ve repeatedly caused trouble.

Healey is no longer allowed to enter:

Asda, School Street, Darwen

B&M Bargains, King William Street, Blackburn

Iceland, School Street, Darwen

Aldi, Montague Street, Blackburn

Morrisons, Railway Road, Blackburn

Woodcock has also been barred from a similar list:

Asda, School Street, Darwen

B&M Bargains, King William Street, Blackburn

Dunelm, Lower Audley Street, Blackburn

Aldi, Montague Street, Blackburn

Morrisons, Railway Road, Blackburn

Both now face serious consequences if they breach the orders. CBOs are legally enforceable, and breaking one could lead to further prosecution or even jail time. The five-year duration is a strong statement from the courts and police that repeated shoplifting won’t be tolerated.

While the names on the banned list might not come as a shock to local retailers who’ve had to deal with these two before, Operation Vulture shows that police are ready to step in with firm action and long-term solutions.

Lancashire Police have made it clear they’re cracking down hard on shoplifting, not just to protect businesses but also to prevent the kind of community damage low-level crime can cause when it’s allowed to spiral.

For now, it looks like Healey and Woodcock’s supermarket sweep days are well and truly over.