Police crackdown on shoplifters

POLICE are releasing CCTV images of suspected shoplifters as part of a new crackdown to tackle a rise in retail crime.

There have been 470 extra offences so far this financial year across South Yorkshire, when comparing April to July 2012 with the same period last year — an increase of 17 per cent from 2,688 to 3,158 recorded shoplifting crimes.

A spokesman said: “Crime reduction officers continue to work closely with shops and businesses, providing guidance about security at their premises.

“Police would like to speak to the people shown in the CCTV stills as part of investigations into alleged shoplifting offences.”

Among the images is this photo of a couple sought in connection with a suspected theft at the Brecks on August 9.

You can see all the photos at www.southyorks.police.uk.

Anyone with information should contact South Yorkshire Police on 101 or call

Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

See next week’s Advertiser for a special feature on Rotherham police’s efforts to crack down on shoplifting.