‘Prolific’ shoplifter jailed and banned from shopping with mate in Cheshire town

A ‘prolific’ shoplifter has been jailed for five months and banned from entering any shop in Warrington with an associate. Chad Feeney, 33, was also banned from entering two Co-op stores.

Feeney, of no fixed address but from Warrington, was handed a criminal behaviour order at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Monday (June 17). The order, which bans him from entering the Cooperative stores on Knutsford Road and Kingsway South, Warrington, and from entering any shop in the town with associate Paul Morris, will last for two years upon his release.

Police said Feeney regularly shoplifted alongside Morris. The order also states Feeney must not conceal any shop items in bags or containers without paying for them.

Feeney previously pleaded guilty to 18 counts of theft from a shop, for which he was also jailed for five months. Upon his release, if Feeney fails to adhere to the order, he could face a fine or be recalled to prison.

Police Constable Andy Rowley, of Warrington Neighbourhood Team, said: “Chad Feeney is a prolific offender who, alongside Paul Morris, brought misery to the retailers of Warrington. I am proud to say that, thanks to the work of our Central Team, they have both been brought to justice.

“Criminal behaviour orders are just one of the ways we can use all policing tools available to us to better protect the community from those who causing alarm and distress. I hope that this order provides reassurance Warrington’s retailers and residents and will also deter the behaviour of Feeney in the future.

“Feeney is under the order 2026 and if he fails to comply, he could face a hefty fine or a further five years imprisonment.”

Chief Inspector Neil Drum added: “The work from the Central Team in securing this sentence is excellent, and the CBOs in place for both Chad Feeney and Paul Morris gives even further opportunity to take action. This result is testament to the great work in of our officers and their commitment to get these results and get justice for retailers.”

NEWSLETTER: Sign up for CheshireLive email direct to your inbox here