POLICE in Tavistock have launched a campaign aimed at specifically catching shoplifters following a sharp rise in retail crime.

In the last eight weeks, incidents of shoplifting have almost doubled, and uniformed and plain clothed officers from the town and other resources have been drafted in to deal with the problem.

Police believe that Tavistock is being targeted by thieves outside the area who are attempting to get away from locations where they are already known, as has happened in previous years.

Neighbourhood beat manager for Tavistock, PC Cathy Veale, said: 'Many shops in Tavistock are small businesses and depend heavily on the Christmas shopping period.

'This time of year incidents of shoplifting do increase but there are more this year probably partly due to the economic climate.'

'As a result we have launched a special campaign on the lead up to Christmas Day to help ensure retailers aren't driven out of business by thieves.'

PC Veale said on the first day of the campaign on December 1, there was a large police presence in the town and the feedback from shopkeepers was very positive.

'Many shops are finding it difficult to make ends meet and we intend to support them by making sure that thieves don't have an easy time in town,' added PC Veale.

'We have significantly increased our presence in the town and officers will be patrolling in plain clothes actively looking to catch thieves as well as working in uniform.'

Officers are encouraging shopkeepers and traders to use the 999 system.

'All too often suspicious activity goes unreported because no-one actually sees a theft take place,' said the PC.

'We are saying to shopkeepers that we trust their instincts and if they see any suspicious activity, we can only be effective if it is reported then and there, and that they need not be reluctant to ring 999 and that we will deal with anyone acting suspiciously.'

Officers have been visiting shops in the town offering advice.

Items most targeted by serious shoplifters are designers clothes, alcohol, razor blades, tobacco and electrical goods.

Anyone arrested for shoplifting can expect that their vehicle will be searched and officers will search their home address and any other premises where they think stolen property might be stored.

Tavistock Chamber of Commerce chairman Nigel Eadie said he welcomed the campaign.

'I think this is something all members within the chamber and other businesses welcome because we feel a lot more comfortable if there is a bigger police presence at this time of year.'