Police are launching a Christmas crackdown on shoplifters in Lichfield.

Undercover officers will mingle with festive shoppers to catch pickpockets and thieves in the act.

The campaign forms part of Operation Steel which will also see businesses and CCTV across the city being used to keep up the pressure on criminals.

Inspector Jed White, Lichfield’s neighbourhood policing Commander, said:

“Some people may have the misguided view that shoplifting is a victimless crime which shops often ignore – they are wrong. Shoplifting costs everyone on average £180 a year. It is theft – it’s as simple as that and we don’t intend to let anyone get away with it.

“Operation Steel will be a hard hitting drive to tackle shoplifters, pick pockets and purse snatchers out on the streets. We aim to ruin their plans and get across the message that when it comes to shoplifting, purse thefts and other crime, Lichfield is out of bounds.

“If anyone comes to Lichfield looking to commit these kinds of crime, they will be in for a big surprise and could well be spending their Christmas and new year with the police.”

Three Spires Shopping Centre Manager, Lisa Prokopiou, added:

“Shops and stores in the city are gearing up for their busiest shopping period so it’s important to be aware of a potential increase in shoplifting and similar thefts. Our own security officers will be linking up with high visibility police and under- cover officers to carry out joint patrols in support of this initiative.”

Anyone with information about shoplifting, purse thefts or other business crimes can call Lichfield Police Station on 0300 123 44 55 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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