A 'prolific' shoplifter who targeted Co-op stores in Heald Green has been banned from every Co-op in England and Wales.

Anthony John Englishby (46) admitted to 10 counts of theft in an appearance at Tameside Magistrates' Court, where he was given a six-month suspended sentence and an exclusion order from more than 2,000 Co-op stores across the country.

Englishby was arrested in Wythenshawe by officers from Greater Manchester Police's (GMP) Stockport team, after he'd targeted two Co-op stores in Heald Green in March and April this year.

Arrests for shoplifting in Stockport are up by almost 50 percent over the past 12 months, while the number of charges has risen by 45 percent, GMP said.

Chief Inspector Clare Ryle said: "We understand the frustrations from businesses and the general public when some people feel they are able to shoplift routinely, therefore putting up the cost for everyone else.

"That is why we are tackling shoplifting right across Stockport and taking the necessary action.

"Working closely with local businesses we have been able to reduce shoplifting using Criminal Behaviour Orders that restrict offenders from entering a designated area. This has been an effective tool to prevent further crime.

"The arrest and subsequent prosecution came about from good, proactive police work and shows we will pursue offenders."

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