'WE are watching you'.

That is the message being put out to would-be shoplifters in Hambleton as the district's CCTV operators are keeping their eyes peeled for thieves.

The local authority has 44 cameras monitoring the towns of Thirsk, Bedale, Northallerton and Stokesley – with its team of operators working closely with the police to detect and deter crime.

Recently they helped to put a man behind bars for fraudulently attempting to obtain cash by deception in Stokesley.

The man pretended to work for a building firm and requested £3,000 from his victim for alleged work to be done.

The CCTV operator spotted the withdrawal of cash by the victim and the handover to the man.

He received two custodial sentences for nine months to run concurrently.

Northallerton has had a number of recent successes thanks to the successful ‘Shopwatch’ scheme where local businesses have direct radio contact with CCTV operators and can report incidents immediately.

They include catching the theft of £150 of alcohol from Marks and Spencer and two men who were spotted using counterfeit notes to purchase items on the high street.

Thirsk recently had its first success story thanks to the Shopwatch scheme.

Well Heeled reported a man had entered the store and was offering to sell their staff items from House of Fraser.

When they declined he became abusive and when he left the CCTV operator was able to follow him and obtain the registration of his vehicle which was passed to the police.

Councillor Bridget Fortune, portfolio holder for leisure, said: “The camera network across Hambleton is an integral part of the work of the Safer Hambleton Hub and police teams - which keep our communities safe from harm, crime and anti-social behaviour.

“As Christmas approaches, shoppers are reminded to keep themselves and their belongings safe but they can be reassured that the Shopwatch members, CCTV control team and the local police are responding effectively and promptly to any incident reported and doing all they can to keep residents and visitors safe from harm.

“Our message to any shoplifter or criminal is clear – commit crime in Hambleton and you will be caught.”