SHOPLIFTERS in Redcar are being targeted in a police operation designed to drive thieves out of the town.
Thirty officers, drawn from a variety of squads, will be behind a two-week campaign to ensure there is no hiding place for those who think shops in the High Street area are easy pickings.
Detective Inspector Gordon Lang said Operation Forcefield would see a "no nonsense" approach to shop-lifters who could expect the police to repeatedly harass their activities.
"We know that Redcar criminals are stealing from High Street shops to finance their drugs habits. It is a problem, but it is one we are determined to eradicate."
He added: "We have made a lot of progress in reducing burglaries in the town. Shoplifting is still a problem, but one we are determined to beat."
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