A number of people from Bolton have recently been jailed for shoplifting as police continue their crackdown.

Police say between August 2024 and July this year there was a 50 per cent increase in arrests for shoplifting compared to the same period in the previous 12 months.

Each district in Greater Manchester has been given a single point of contact at inspector level for retail crime.

There has also been a steering group to share best practice on this.

Here are the people from Bolton who have recently been jailed for thefts.

Natalie Belfield stole plants worth £46 from the Asda on Brackley Street, Farnworth, in July this year.

The same month she stole meats worth £196 from Lidl in Bolton.

She admitted the two offences at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates Court.

Belfield, 38 and from Ashley Grove, Farnworth, was jailed for 14 weeks.

Sean Warburton stole electronic items worth £250 from B&M in Bolton in July this year.

The same month he stole confectionery items with an unknown value belonging to WH Smiths in Bolton.

The 36-year-old, of no fixed abode, also breached criminal behaviour orders by entering the stores in question.

He admitted two thefts and two thefts at Manchester Magistrates Court.

Wartburton was jailed for eight weeks.

Lisa Phelps stole confectionery from the Co-op.

The 42-year-old admitted the offence at Manchester Magistrates Court.

Phelps, from Hillfield Drive, Bolton, was jailed for ten weeks.

Chief Inspector Cara Charlesworth, force lead for retail crime, said: “Beginning this year with our retail crime symposium has shown our intent to work in lockstep with retailers across every area of Greater Manchester.

“We are dedicated to working with retailers across every district, from small corner shops to multi-national supermarkets – if you have a problem, your local team will do what they can to assist.

"Our specialist crime prevention team can provide up to date crime-busting material and advice, and our neighbourhood officers can share best practice.

“If you are having a problem, please do get in touch with us, as we use all the data we receive to measure where and when we are needed.

"Every week, our teams make arrests and secure charges for shoplifting, and will continue to do so.”