Shoplifters are being warned to stay out of Gorleston or face prosecution as police target offenders in the run up to Christmas.

The campaign by the town’s Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) will see more officers patrolling the High Street, working closely with operators at Gorleston CCTV and members of banning-scheme Shopwatch.

Operation Cape aims to reduce shoplifting during a period which historically sees an increase in the number of offences.

Reducing theft from shops on the High Street is a current priority for the team and officers have worked closely with shops offering crime prevention advice for the busy Christmas period.

Police have already secured results after a 21-year-old female was issued with a three-month Gorleston Retail Partnership exclusion notice for behaving in an anti-social manner in a shop.

Insp Richard Graveling, who leads the Gorleston NPT, said: “Shoplifting in Gorleston will not be tolerated. People considering shoplifting as an option should not bother coming to Gorleston.

“We will take firm action against those caught shoplifting or believed to be handling stolen goods.

“This operation aims to deter shoplifting and improve reassurance among retailers and shoppers in the town.”

Insp Graveling urged shoppers to play their part in the campaign by reporting incidents of shoplifting to shop staff and police immediately.

Tracy Knights, of Sentiments on the High Street, said members of the Shopwatch scheme were pleased with the scheme.

She said: “We are glad to be members of the scheme and the radio link with police is very affective. It is another example of people working together to make Gorleston a better shopping experience.”