Man who stole from Lisburn shops warned he will go to prison if he offends again
A man who has been homeless for six years has pleaded guilty to stealing from two stores in Lisburn city centre.
Colin Dennis Cairns, 37, who was said to have no fixed abode, appeared before Lisburn Magistrates Court charged with two counts of theft from B&M in Bow Street, as well as a further charge of theft from TK Maxx.
The court heard that on February 9, 2026 the police were made aware of an incident in TK Maxx on February 1 when the defendant was seen entering the store, lifting clothing and discarding hangers.
He then went to the jewellery section, lifted two boxed watches and placed them inside the coats he had previously lifted.
He then made off in the direction of Union Bridge without paying. The value of the items was said to total £170.96.
The police also received a report of power banks being stolen from B&M in Bow Street.
A male matching the description of the defendant was stopped in Railway Street, where he was searched. A power bank was found attached to his mobile phone.
In another incident on January 29, 2026 police received a report from Citywatch, which operates CCTV cameras in Lisburn city centre.
It was reported that a theft was ongoing from B&M in Bow Street, when headphones and a candle were said to have been stolen.
Police saw the defendant at the railway bridge but he ran off in the direction of Wallace Park. Police then received a report that he was hiding in a garden and he was subsequently arrested.
Defence told the court: “He has had a long battle with addiction.
He has had no fixed abode for six years and has just been offered accommodation and he is genuinely excited about this and it has provided some motivation to clean up his act. He is doing everything he can to address his addiction issues.”
District Judge Rosie Watters warned the defendant: “Really I should be sending you to prison. You have got an opportunity but you have to prove yourself in some way.”
Ms Watters adjourned the case until May 14 to allow for an updated report from the probation service on the defendant’s progress.
"If there are anymore offences you will go to prison,” she added.