SHOPLIFTING offences have fallen in one of the region’s busiest shopping centres.

Newcastle city centre draws shoppers from across the region and beyond and police are working with retailers to stop thieves targeting its stores.

The city centre Shopwatch scheme sees officers work closely with shop security staff and managers to identify offenders and share information about them.

Shoplifting offences across Newcastle have reduced by 12 per cent since the start of the financial year in early April, with 244 offences, 34 fewer than in the same period last year.

And enforcement action continues, with 34 people arrested on suspicion of shop theft during the last week of April alone.

The drive is part of Northumbria Police’s Operation Soundwave, which aims to tackle opportunist thefts and burglaries across the force area.

Newcastle Central Neighbourhood Inspector Caroline Ord said: "Newcastle is a busy city all year round and with such a bustling retail community thieves often come here to steal.

"They should be aware we work closely with and share information with retailers to prevent offences from taking place.

"And when they do take place the likelihood is thieves will be caught, if not instantly by officers or security staff, then their images will be released to the public to help us identify them.

"They could be arrested and end up with a criminal record which will affect their future."

As well as the city centre, police also focus on the busy Shields Road shopping area in Byker and outlying retail areas such as Gosforth and Kingston Park.

A drop of 17 per cent was recently reported at the intu Metrocentre across the River Tyne in Gateshead.