THREE young shoplifters have been caught trying to steal from a shop by police officers who were in the store launching a crime prevention scheme.

PCs Michael Hynes and Grant McTaggart were in Asda, Bishop Auckland, to launch Operation Eaglet, when the youngsters tried to steal toys and batteries. They were arrested.

Police were launching an operation, in which undercover officers will be out on the streets to stamp out shoplifting over Christmas.

Thieves have been warned by police that their every move will be on camera.

Bishop Auckland police have joined retailers and have handed out photographs of prolific criminals to 12 members of the Crime Net Partnership as part of the Durham Police Constabulary's Streetsafe initiative.

Uniformed police will be joined by undercover officers, and store managers are being encouraged to contact the police and other retailers if any of the offenders are spotted in town.

Traffic wardens will also join the operation by checking the safety and security of the town centre car parks.

Registration details will be taken from vehicles with presents or other potentially attractive items left on view, and the owners will be sent a letter offering crime prevention advice.

A recent upgrade in the town's security camera network will give the operation a boost, creating fewer opportunities for thieves to move about unnoticed.

The town's community inspector, Ian Butler, said: "Any shoplifters or car thieves we see will be targeted and have their every step followed. They will be monitored very closely either by the uniformed beat officers, those working in plain clothes or the CCTV staff."