SHOPLIFTERS operating across the Redcar and Cleveland area are being targeted in a high-visibility clampdown.

Officers will be patrolling the streets over the next 12 months picking up prolific offenders in an attempt to bring the problem under control.

Chief Inspector Peter McPhillips said: "Theft from shops and stalls account for a large percentage of overall theft in the district, with alcohol being a particular target for the shoplifters.

"We will be utilising the resources of the Neighbourhood Policing Teams, District Support Unit, Special Constabulary and Council wardens to offer high visibility patrols which will be backed by plain clothes patrols and the execution of search warrants on known offenders. We will also be working closely with retailers to pin-point the most prolific offenders.

"But we won't just be targeting shop theft. We are also looking at garden theft, metal theft and purse-dipping. We want the people in the district to feel safe when going about their business and clamping down on these seemingly lesser offences is certainly one way of doing that."