POLICE have arrested almost 160 people in a crackdown on shoplifters and pickpockets in one of the region’s main shopping centres.

Northumbria Police have been targeting thieves who take advantage of the seasonal rush in Newcastle since October.

Uniformed, undercover and mounted officers are flooding key retail areas to combat the traditional pre-Christmas rise in shoplifting and opportunist crime.

Since the launch, 157 people have been arrested for shoplifting with 122 people charged.

The crackdown is part of the force’s Operation Soundwave aimed at opportunist crime during the winter months.

The force says there have been 13 fewer shoplifting offences compared to the same period last year, and during the weekend of December 6 and 7 there were just five offences of shoplifting, compared to more than double that during the first weekend of the operation at the end of October.

The detection rate is almost 75 per cent, meaning the likelihood is that thieves will be caught.

Anyone arrested for shoplifting is, where possible, being given bail conditions banning them from returning to the area where they were arrested.

Neighbourhood Inspector Darren Adams said:

"Our message to thieves is clear - we are watching you.

“There's no place for thieves in Newcastle, officers are out in force across the city and we're working hard to stop them from coming into the city to steal.

"Our overall aim is to make sure the city centre remains a safe place for everyone to do their shopping and enjoy the lead up to Christmas."