Local Priorities Shoplifting Update

I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Shoplifting, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey.

James Dobson, 23 years old of no fixed abode, Lancaster has been imprisoned after being found guilty of two thefts from shops and one of breaching his sex offenders register notification requirements. On Monday 15th December 2025, it was heard at Lancashire Magistrates Court that Dobson was only released from prison on the 1st December 2025 and soon after committed two thefts from shops within the city and on one of those occasions had made threats to assault a shopkeeper. Dobson also failed to keep in contact with the police in relation to his sex offenders register notification requirements.



PC 8794 Smith from the Neighbourhood Policing Team says that we have a zero tolerance to shoplifting and abuse towards retail workers. We are working tirelessly through Operation Vulture to target these individuals and their unacceptable behaviour. PC Smith asked the courts to issue Dobson with a Criminal Behaviour Order due to Dobson’s continued risk to the community. The courts agreed and have issued the order valid for three years, prohibiting Dobson from entering any shop within the centre of Lancaster and not to enter any Spar, Aldi or B&M in Lancashire. This will go some way to minimise Dobsons offending behaviour.

Operation Vulture is Lancashire Constabulary’s response to shoplifting across the county. The operation sees dedicated officers undertaking hotspot patrolling, increasing their visibility in targeted areas and creating strong partnerships with retailers across the county to better share intelligence, get a deeper understanding of retail crime and identify more offenders.

Shoplifting can not only impact business bottom lines but can also pose a threat to shop staff. Knowing how to prevent and deter shoplifters and keep your businesses/ staff safe during a crime is key.

The National Business Crime Centre (NBCC) has created specific crime prevention guidance for businesses and has collated useful information from partner agencies to help businesses owners better protect themselves from physical and digital crime.

If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.lancashire.police.uk, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online webpage Home - Lancashire Constabulary - Report Online or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100 per cent anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Get Involved

Please consider getting involved by registering for these messages, this will enable you to contribute to the local priority survey.  We may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on.  Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you.  

Please click here to complete the survey