Prolific Shoplifter Convicted and sent to Prison

This is John Molineux, a prolific shoplifter who targeted shops across South Ribble has been charged and convicted of the following –

X6 Counts of Theft from Shops

X6 Counts of Breach of Criminal Behaviour Order 

X1 Count of Attempted Theft 

Molineux appeared at Preston Magistrates Court on the 16th October 2025 where he pled guilty, he was sentenced to 48 weeks in prison. He was described by the court as showing a ‘flagrant disregard for court orders’. He was also ordered to pay compensation to the Victims.

He still remains subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order that is valid until May 2027.

Operation Vulture is the force’s campaign to tackle shoplifting across Lancashire. Shoplifting involves serious organised criminal gangs as well as prolific offenders and opportunistic thieves.

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