A MAN has been jailed for a series of thefts and assaults following a crackdown on town centre shoplifting by police.

In response to growing reports of shoplifting within stores in Leigh town centre and Parsonage Retail Park, Greater Manchester Police announced that it was undertaking a detailed plan to tackle the problems that have risen.

This has included increased patrols of the affected areas, extending a Public Space Protection Order to these areas, and giving advice and support to businesses dealing with shoplifting.

Criminal Behaviour Orders have also been handed out to the most prolific offenders, with one suspect now jailed following several offences.

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Nathan Shaw, 23, was charged by the Leigh Neighbourhood policing team on suspicion of eight 8 theft offences and two assaults on the Parsonage Retail Park in Leigh.

Shaw was remanded in custody to appear before the courts earlier this month, where he received a prison sentence of 28 Weeks imprisonment.

More information about the police's crackdown on shoplifting can be found here.