Anthony Gallagher stole more than £120 worth of goods from a Co-op store in WooltonMoment shoplifter pretends to be brother to avoid arrest
Police bodycam footage captured the moment a prolific shoplifter lies about his identity in a bid to avoid arrest. Anthony Gallagher brazenly stole more than £120 worth of goods from a Co-op store in Woolton on three occasions within the space of just half an hour, even changing his clothes before returning for a final theft in an apparent bid to evade detection.
Liverpool Crown Court heard the 40-year-old began his crime spree at around 5.15pm on Sunday, May 31. He first stole two jars of coffee worth £16 before returning around 20 minutes later to steal Fairy laundry detergent pods.
Just 10 minutes after that, Gallagher was back in the store again, filling his backpack with more coffee and detergent before leaving without paying. Police were called to the scene and, after searching the surrounding area, officers spotted Gallagher at the pub next to Hunts Cross Station.
Bodycam footage showed an officer asking Gallagher for his name, but he gives a false identity. A second officer then can be heard asking whether he has a brother, to which he replies: “I’ve got two. Anthony and [bleep].”
Anthony James Gallagher(Image: Merseyside Police)
The first officer then asks Gallagher to remove his cap so she can see his face. He responds: “We look the same.”
The officer tells him: “I’m not happy that you’re not Anthony.”
Gallagher then admits: “Well, I am Anthony, alright.”
Gallagher, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to 24 offences, including 12 counts of theft, 10 breaches of a Criminal Behaviour Order, making threats to cause criminal damage and a public order offence involving threatening behaviour.
On Tuesday, June 30, Gallagher was jailed for two years and seven months. His Criminal Behaviour Order was also extended for a further seven years.
Neighbourhood Inspector Michelle Ingram said: “Gallagher brazenly stole stock from the Co-Op store three times with the space of half an hour and did his utmost to try and evade detection by changing his clothes in his final shoplifting spree.
“Then when officers caught up with him at Hunts Cross Station, he denied his identity, but eventually after some persuasion he knew his time was up and confessed it was him.”
Inspector Ingram added: “Gallagher’s shoplifting has a negative impact where the community can suffer from the knock-on effect of constantly losing stock. Staff can lose their jobs and shoppers are impacted if retailers have to raise their prices to make up for the loss of stolen stock.
“We recognise the important role that policing plays in tackling offenders and supporting retailers in reducing the number of offences committed and keeping their staff safe.
“We regularly patrol areas the community tells us they have concerns about and provide advice and reassurance. We also visit local businesses and discuss practical ways they can help protect their business from thefts and robberies.
“Where there is evidence that leads to identification of a suspect we will pursue action through the courts if appropriate.
To report a crime taking place contact the Merseyside Police social media desk @MerPolCC on X and Facebook. You can also report information via the force’s website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or call 101.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.