A man has been banned from entering a number of shops in Southport after he was handed a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order for theft.
Diarmuid McCarthy, 54, of no fixed abode, was handed the CBO at Liverpool Magistrate’s Court yesterday (Wednesday 21 January) after he was convicted of stealing items from Sainsbury’s.
The order prohibits him from entering Sainsbury’s on Lord Street, B&M on both Lord Street and Tulketh Street, Marks & Spencer on Chapel Street, TG Jones on Chapel Street or any shop/store after being issued with a banning notice.
If McCarthy breaks the CBO, he would have committed a criminal offence and could be sent to prison or handed a fine. The CBO will remain in place until 20 January 2031.
Sefton Superintendent Paul Holden said: “We take reports of retail crime seriously because it can have a detrimental impact on staff and the wider community.
“McCarthy was convicted of theft and is now the subject of a Criminal Behaviour Order. These CBOs are an effective tool in tackling repeat theft and should McCarthy breach this order then he will be arrested and could be imprisoned.
“We would encourage anyone with information about retail crime to get in touch so we can investigate.”
Merseyside Police’s Winter of Action, taking place between 1 December and 31 January 2026, is a major policing push to keep city and town centres safe during and beyond the festive season by tackling crime, reassuring communities, and ensuring our high streets are welcoming and safe for everyone.
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.