THE top 100 shoplifters across Teesside are being sent a Christmas card from police inviting them to avoid town centres if they want a peaceful New Year.
Cleveland Police is posting out the cards on Monday to the most prolific pilferers in a bid to crackdown on crime.
They have been provided by the North East Retail Crime Partnership (NERCP) which is working with Cleveland, Durham and North Yorkshire police forces to help reduce shoplifting offences over the Christmas period.
Chief Inspector Dave Lamplough, who is heading the campaign in Cleveland, said: “We work closely with our neighbouring forces and share information across the region.
We have identified 100 of the most prolific shoplifters across our force area and each will receive a message advising them to stay out of the shops if they want to stay out of a prison cell throughout the festive period.”
The cards will be going out on Monday and will be dropping through letterboxes of those who repeatedly go into stores with the intention of stealing.
“We don’t want to see our local retailers hit in the pocket at this time of year – and the card is a timely reminder that we will be on the lookout – and if caught there will be little Christmas cheer from us” added Chief Inspector Lamplough.
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