Shoplifter banned from Tesco after £9k crime spree

A prolific shoplifter has been banned from all Tesco stores in Cheshire and Merseyside after stealing £9,000 worth of goods in a three-month crime spree.

Rachel Lyon, 41, is also banned from a Sainsbury's store in Woolton, Liverpool, as well as Belle Vale Shopping Centre, Hunts Cross Shopping Centre and Cables Retail Park in Prescot.

Lyon, of Ringway Road in Belle Vale, pleaded guilty to 11 counts of shoplifting and five attempted thefts at Liverpool Crown Court.

She was handed a 20-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and also made the subject of a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order banning her from the shops.

Merseyside Police said Lyon's crime spree began in October 2025 when she attempted to steal candles, groceries and bedding valued at more than £1,000 from Tesco in Widnes.

In another instance at the same supermarket, Lyon attempted to steal groceries and perfume worth £956 on 1 December last year.

Her successful thefts included helping herself to perfume and cosmetics from John Lewis in Liverpool, valued at £1,400, on 20 December 2025.

The next day she stole items to the value of £470 from Home Bargains on Childwall Valley Road, followed by £852 worth of alcohol from Sainsburys in Woolton Village on 23 December.

Her shoplifting spree continued into the new year when she stole £524 of perfume from John Lewis on 19 January.

Sgt Rachel Hassett said: "Lyon's prolific offending was across two force areas – Merseyside and Cheshire – and she is estimated to have stolen £9,000 in the three-month period.

"Her thieving had a detrimental effect on retail outlets, and this Criminal Behaviour Order is a great result for the community and hopefully should prevent further offences."

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