A 30-year-old prolific shoplifter has been banned from three Chadderton shops for three years after repeatedly stealing chocolate and confectionery from local retailers.

Athanial Lucas, of no fixed address, was sentenced to eight weeks in custody at Tameside Magistrates' Court on 29 July. He was also ordered to pay £513 in compensation.

Lucas was made subject of a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) until 29 July 2029. The CBO, secured by Oldham Council's Community Safety Service with Greater Manchester Police, was based on 30 reported shoplifting incidents since December 2025. These incidents caused £3,994 in losses to businesses.

Retailers had reported Lucas for shoplifting up to three times a day. Under the order, he is banned from entering One Stop Community Shop and Tesco Express on Butler Green, and Drury Convenience Store on Drury Lane in Chadderton.

Breaching the conditions of a CBO is a criminal offence and could result in further court action.