A MAN allegedly stole crates of beer and damaged a police vehicle.
On Sunday, December 11, police officers were alerted to reports of theft from Bargain Booze on North Road, close to the town centre.
The man allegedly stole a couple of crates of Peroni and tried to flee and hide from the police.
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Officers reported finding the 27-year-old hiding under a duvet outside the Salvation Army on Phoenix Brow.
Attempting to drink the beer as fast as he could, officers said they found the suspect due to the empty bottles he had left.
A 27-year-old, from Clinkham Wood, was arrested on suspicion of theft and was further arrested for criminal damage after allegations a police van was damaged.
A Merseyside Police spokesperson said: "We won't allow people to help themselves to whatever they want from our local shops and businesses without paying.
"This isn't acceptable and will not be tolerated."
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