Crosby’s Shoplifting Twins Jailed After Plaguing Village Stores in Crime Spree

Twin brothers from Crosby have been jailed following an investigation into a series of shop thefts which police say have plagued businesses in Crosby Village.

David Hollis and Carl Hollis, both 43 and both of First Avenue in Crosby, appeared at Wirral Adult Remand Court on Wednesday 26 August, where they pleaded guilty to a number of offences.

Five theft offences at Home Bargains

David Hollis

David Hollis was charged with five counts of theft from a shop following offences committed on various days throughout August at Home Bargains on Moor Lane in Crosby Village.

He was sentenced to 11 months in prison, which included breaching a suspended sentence. He was also ordered to pay compensation and a victim surcharge.

Sainsbury’s and Tesco Express targeted

Carl Hollis

His twin brother Carl Hollis was charged with four counts of theft from a shop relating to offences at Sainsbury’s on Liverpool Road and Tesco Express on Edge Lane.

He was also charged with three counts of breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order which had been issued in February.

Carl Hollis was sentenced to 22 weeks in prison and was also ordered to pay compensation and a victim surcharge.

Police say the brothers repeatedly targeted local shops, stealing items including meat, protein powder and alcohol.

Sefton Neighbourhood Policing Constable Thomas Vaughan said: “You might be forgiven for doing a double take seeing the custody images of David and Carl Hollis but unfortunately shops in Crosby Village have recently been plagued by the twins.

“They have repeatedly targeted shops in the theft of items ranging from meat, protein powder to alcohol, causing distress and inconvenience to those businesses.”

“We will relentlessly pursue offenders for shop theft and continue to show our contempt for this and all criminality.”

PC Vaughan said neighbourhood policing work had brought the brothers to justice and police hoped the prison sentences, together with the publication of their custody images, would act as a deterrent and help make local businesses safer places to work.

Police are encouraging residents and businesses to continue reporting suspected shop theft and antisocial behaviour so officers can take action against offenders.

Anyone with information about theft or antisocial behaviour can speak to local officers or contact Merseyside Police through its social media desk on X or Facebook at @MerPolCC.

Information can also be reported through the Merseyside Police website or by calling 101.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

In an emergency, always call 999.