Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon police urge public and business owners to help them stop shoplifting gang
Police in Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon believe an organised gang of shoplifters may be behind a recent increase in thefts from local shops.
They say the thieves appear to target high value items such as health and beauty products along with expensive alcohol like champagne and brandy.
The culprits seem to target smaller community shops rather than large supermarkets.
Police are urging the public and business community to help them track down the suspects and stop their activities.
"There has been a recent increase in reported thefts from local shops and we need your help to stop the suspected thieves,” a PSNI spokesperson said,
"We believe an organised gang may behind the thefts and we are working hard to identify those involved. In doing so we have noticed a few key things that would be vital for retailers to know to try and prevent such crime.
Police said that in the reported thefts they are currently investigating, the suspects typically operate in groups of four to six individuals.
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"Some of the suspects appear to dress in long flowing clothes like maxi-skirts and long dresses, often layered with other long cardigans and coats that allow them to conceal stolen items on their person. They have also been known to carry rucksacks and large bags,” the PSNI spokesperson added.
"We’re urging all business owners, employees and members of the public, to report any concerns to police as soon as possible and we will use all of the tools at our disposal to identify and arrest offenders.
"We also encourage business owners to install CCTV if not already in place.
"Footage from previous thefts has been invaluable in helping us build a profile of the offenders we are looking for. Also consider adding anti-theft devices to your higher value items, including premium alcohol brands.
"Information provided by businesses and the community is vital in helping us form a picture of what is happening for retailers and develop a police response to tackle it head on, so please get in touch if you have any information or see anything in your local shop that causes you concern.
"To speak to police, please call 101. Alternatively, you can submit a report online at https://www.psni.police.uk/report