Over 70 held in crackdown on shoplifting

The operation was launched on Friday, August 24 after shoplifting rose between April and July this year by 17 per cent, compared with the same period in 2011.

Undercover officers patrolled high streets across the county, while uniformed police also used warrants to search properties for stolen goods and arrest suspected shoplifters.

Retailers were also offered the opportunity to use a “cardboard cop” to deter shoplifters.

In other parts of the country, the cut-out figures placed in stores are believed to have reduced shoplifting by up to 75 per cent.

Chief inspector Gwyn Thomas said: “Since the start of April the force has recorded 470 extra offences compared to the same period last year.”