A GROUP of shoplifters who took part in a large-scale supermarket shoplifting operation across the North-East and Yorkshire have been sentenced to a total of more than 22 years in prison.

Leeds Crown Court heard detectives launched an investigation in late 2015 and found the crimes were worth more than £50,000 and involved 39 cases.

In February this year officers arrested six men who had been living in Leeds and charged them with conspiracy to steal over a 14-month period. They all pleaded guilty to the charges between May and June.

Detective Inspector Andy Leonard said: “This was a complex investigation, involving a highly organised gang who caused widespread economic harm to supermarkets in the region. This was an excellent example of West Yorkshire Police collaborating with regional forces to effectively combat organised criminal activity across the north of the UK.”