JUVENILE thieves are being warned to stay away from Teesside this summer - or risk being taken to court.

Police and retailers are joining forces with Middlesbrough Council and other agencies in a blitz on shop crime, and have promised that everyone would be treated harshly - regardless of age.

Extra patrols are being carried out around key shopping areas, and Cleveland Police will be working closely with store security staff to catch offenders.

Inspector Geoff Bush said: "Anyone seen committing shop theft will be dealt with.

"We know there are various types of shoplifters, among them juveniles who succumb to peer pressure.

"We want to deter them from shoplifting during the summer months. We also want parents to be more vigilant.

"If your child comes home with a lot of shopping, it may be an idea to question how they have paid for the items."

More than 80 shops in Middlesbrough town centre are linked via a radio system, making it easier for them to share knowledge and more difficult for thieves.

And the partnership with Middlesbrough Safer Shopping Scheme will see security guards direct police straight to perpetrators.

Karen Shields, from Middlesbrough Council, said: "Shop theft is not a minor or insignificant offence and, in some cases, it is the start of much more serious criminal behaviour.

"Many young people don't think they are committing an offence by stealing small items, such as sweets or make-up from shops, and we are saying loud and clear that they are and town centre stores will be on the look out for them."

Shop theft in Middlesbrough town centre is currently a priority being addressed through the Safer Middlesbrough Partnership and is said to cost hundreds of thousands of pounds each year.

Based on intelligence and analysis, agencies are working together to develop and implement an action plan to reduce the number of incidences.

The partnership's Rachel Beard said: "Partnership working can have a real impact on reducing retail crime.

"We are encouraging the police, the local authority and key partners to co-ordinate their resources and devise a number of interventions in order to help reduce shop theft in the town."