A MAN has been banned from entering shops in Accrington town centre.

Hyndburn Police say 65-year-old John Crabtree has been issued with a Criminal Behaviour Order which prevents him from entering into any shops within a designated part of the town centre.

Officers have released a map of the area and also a photograph of Mr Crabtree to get the publics help to enforce the order.

In a post on the Hyndburn Police Facebook page read: "There are a number of regular shoplifters who target the town centre and whose activities have a huge impact on local businesses.

"Many of which are small and are simply trying to make an honest living.

"We are determined to keep Accrington safe for both shoppers and businesses alike and will... use all the powers that are available to us to target prolific shoplifting offenders like Crabtree.

"His picture and the area within which he is banned from shops are shown. We'd urge anyone who sees him in any shop within the exclusion zone to call 101 so that we can take action as any breach of the order is a criminal offence."