Prolific shoplifter banned from entering every Tesco within 60 miles

A prolific shoplifter has been banned from every Tesco within 60 miles after repeatedly targeting stores and leaving a trail of misery for staff and local businesses. Amy McCarthy, 32, of Whetstone Lane, Tranmere, has been slapped with a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order after admitting two thefts from Tesco in Claughton. Liverpool Magistrates’ Court heard how McCarthy repeatedly entered a Tesco on Upton Road in Birkenhead on multiple occasions in a single day, before brazenly filling her bag with cheese and fresh poultry products without paying. She later returned the same evening and stole further items. McCarthy, who also has previous convictions linked to vehicle interference, was sentenced on Thursday 30 April and handed strict restrictions aimed at preventing further offending. Under the order, she is banned from entering Birkenhead Town Centre, all Tesco stores across the Wirral, and the Vue Cinema in Birkenhead. She is also prohibited from entering a large defined exclusion zone covering key streets and shopping areas. The conditions also state she must not deliberately touch, enter or attempt to enter any motor vehicle without the owner’s consent, and must leave any shop or business immediately if asked by staff. Wirral Neighbourhood Inspector Nicola Hughes said: “Theft from business is not a victimless crime as it has a huge impact on the community in many ways such as the cost being passed on to the consumer.” She added: “This Order demonstrates that we will not accept this kind of behaviour as the norm, and this ban prohibits McCarthy from entering Birkenhead Town Centre and all Tesco stores in Wirral which prevents her causing further misery to businesses.” Officials warned that any breach of the order could lead to arrest and imprisonment, with police stressing that Criminal Behaviour Orders are a key tool in tackling persistent retail crime. McCarthy is now barred from entering dozens of stores within a wide radius, effectively cutting her off from major parts of the local retail network. Police also urged the public to report antisocial behaviour, with officers encouraging reports via 101, online services, or anonymously through Crimestoppers, while always calling 999 in emergencies.