'Sigh of relief' for retailers as prolific shoplifter banned from Macclesfield town centre
By Matthew Hancock-Bruce 9th Feb 2026
A prolific shoplifter from Macclesfield has been banned from entering the town centre.
Ashley Whittaker appeared at Crewe Magistrates Court on Wednesday, February 4, where he was jailed for 15 weeks after admitting to eight counts of thefts from a shop.
Alongside the custodial sentence, Whittaker was handed a Criminal Behaviour Order banning him from Macclesfield town centre.
He is also banned from every Co-Operative store in Macclesfield alongside a string of nine local retailers.
Police Sergeant Matthew Bassirat, of Macclesfield Local Policing Unit, said: "Criminal Behaviour Orders are just one of many policing tactics we use to tackle shoplifting in our local areas and prevent disruption to our retailers.
"Whittaker will remain under the CBO for the foreseeable future, so I do hope that this news will allow our partners in retail across Macclesfield to breath a very welcome sigh of relief.
"With that in mind, if anyone witnesses Mr Whittaker breaching the terms of his CBO, please do report it to us. If he is found to be in breach, he could face a fine or even a custodial prison sentence."

Under the terms of the CBO, Whittaker is banned from the following stores.
- Majestic Wine, Roe Street
- Morrisons, Hurdsfield Green
- Tesco, Exchange Street
- Reckless Vape Company, Mill Street
- TG Jones, Mill Street
- Boots, Mill Street
- B&M, Exchange Street
- Asda, Victoria Centre, Crewe
- Home Bargains, Lyme Green
- Any Co-Op in Macclesfield
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