Longridge Shoplifter Jailed

We recently asked for the public's help in locating Wesley Smith who was wanted for carrying out a series of thefts at shops over recent months. 4 Shoplifting offences happening at Longridge Sainsburys, in March 2026. We are delighted to update you that Smith was arrested last Tuesday following information provided by you, the public.

Smith has since been charged and remanded for 24 counts of theft from shop offences across the Blackburn, Darwen, Accrington and Longridge.

Smith, who is 48 and of no fixed address, appeared at Blackburn Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty for all incidents. He has been given a custodial sentence of 18 weeks. We have managed to get his Criminal Behaviour Order varied which means he can’t enter the following places:

1. Boots, The Mall Store, Blackburn.

2. One Stop Store, Infirmary Road, Blackburn

3. Costa Coffee, Grimshaw Park, Blackburn

4. One Stop Store, Blackburn Road, Accrington

5. One Stop Store, Brother Street, Blackburn

6. Asda, School Street, Darwen

7. Co-Operative Food Store , Whalley New Road, Blackburn

8. Sainsburys, Inglewhite Road, Longridge

9. BP Petrol Station, Bolton Road, Darwen

10. Bargain Booze, Duckworth Street, Darwen.

Let us know if you see Smith in any of these places in the future, and we will take the appropriate action.

PC Paddy Bowdich