Suspected shoplifter arrested moments after leaving prison

Wednesday, 12 November 2025 14:28

By David Murphy

A 44-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of theft within seconds of walking free from prison, Greater Manchester Police has confirmed.

Officers from Bury’s Neighbourhood Team detained the woman as she left HMP Styal in Cheshire on Tuesday 12 November. She had been identified as a suspect in a shoplifting investigation linked to an incident in October.

It is understood the woman is accused of travelling from Salford to Bury to steal goods from a retail premises. Officers opted to arrest her at the earliest opportunity after tracking her planned release date.

She was taken into custody and is being questioned by detectives.

The arrest coincides with Safer Business Action (SaBA) Week, a national operation involving police forces across the UK focused on tackling retail crime and protecting shop workers.

Greater Manchester Police said it makes hundreds of arrests for shoplifting and theft offences each month and continues to work closely with local businesses to reduce crime and improve safety on high streets.

PC Keiran Stodart from GMP’s Bury Neighbourhood Team said: “Our officers were aware of the suspect’s scheduled release, and took it upon themselves to secure the arrest at the earliest opportunity to fully investigate the reported theft.

“Retail crime remains a priority for our team, and we are always working with local businesses to identify offenders, share best practice, and create safer environments for shoppers and workers.”