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

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

Police were launching the 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 caught on camera.

Bishop Auckland police have joined with local 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 seen in town. Traffic wardens will also join the operation by checking the safety and security of car parks in Bishop Auckland.

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 closed circuit television camera (CCTV) network will also give the operation a boost, giving fewer opportunities for thieves to move about unnoticed.

The town's community inspector, Ian Butler, said: "Bishop Auckland town centre is a busy and thriving commercial area, but unfortunately that also attracts some unwelcome visitors.

"Any shoplifters or car thieves we see will be targeted and have their every step followed. They will be spotted and monitored very closely, either by the uniformed beat officers, those working in plain clothes or the CCTV staff.

"Along with the retailers, we want to make sure our local criminals have an unhappy Christmas."