A SERIAL shoplifter has been banned from entering a huge number of stores in Halton by a court order.

Peter Lunt ‘plagued’ businesses across Runcorn and Widnes with abusive and threatening behaviour, after embarking on a prolific spree of thefts – often while drunk.

Many members of staff in the shops he targeted were left ‘alarmed and distressed’ as a result.

On Monday, February 10, the 50-year-old was handed a criminal behaviour order at Warrington Magistrates Court.

The CBO barred him from a total of 12 shops in Widnes, as well as two in Runcorn.

Lunt, of Eversley in Widnes, is now banned from entering any retail premises in Widnes or the St John’s Unit health centre whilst under the influence of alcohol.

He also must not conceal items for sale in stores prior to paying for them, or place goods in anything or than a trolley, basket or bag provided by the store.

The order will be in place for two years, with Cheshire Police asking residents to report any breaches by Lunt by calling 101.

Sergeant Steve Owen, of the force’s problem-solving team, said: “These preventative orders are designed to stop persistent offenders committing further offences.

“They are only ever applied for and imposed as a last resort.

“In Peter Lunt’s case, not only has he committed a spate of shoplifting offences in recent years but he has often been abusive and threatening to staff when challenged about his stealing.

“Lunt has usually been under the influence of alcohol when committing these offences, which have plagued the retail community in Widnes in particular.

“No-one should feel threatened or intimidated by the actions of others, and we will use whatever powers we have at our disposal to tackle such offending.

“I hope the CBO has the desired effect and prevents retail premises in Widnes and Runcorn from being targeted by this persistent shoplifter, who has persistently shown no consideration at all for the effects his unacceptable behaviour has had on shop workers – I also hope that Lunt changes his ways, for the good of himself as well as for the good of those who own or work at retail premises in Halton.”

The stores Peter Lunt is banned from:

  • Argos, Shopping City, Runcorn
  • Asda, Widnes Road, Widnes
  • B&M, Earle Road, Widnes
  • Boots, Widnes Shopping Park, Widnes
  • Holland and Barrett, Albert Road, Widnes
  • Iceland, Albert Square, Widnes
  • Lloyds Pharmacy, Hough Green Road, Widnes
  • Marks and Spencer, Widnes Shopping Park, Widnes
  • Morrisons, Green Oaks Way, Widnes
  • Quality Save, Widnes Road, Widnes
  • Savers, Albert Square, Widnes
  • TJ Hughes, Green Oaks Way, Widnes
  • Well Runcorn, Grangeway, Runcorn
  • Wilkos, Widnes Shopping Park, Widnes