A neighbourhood policing team (NPT) has been out and about on patrol in a town centre to deter would-be shoplifters.

Consett NPT made itself seen in stores and on the streets of the town centre and in nearby Delves Lane, in response to an increase in shoplifting reported recently within local retail businesses.

Two police support officers happened to be in a Lidl store when a member of the public pointed out two shoplifters attempting to leave with unpaid goods.

Following a chase on foot the male and female suspects were detained a short distance from the store, where they were assisted by neighbourhood officers from the team in retrieving stolen goods.

Read more: Here's what North East police said about 130,000 shoplifting crimes

The pair detained were found to be from out of the area and it was made clear that this form of behaviour would not be tolerated by police in the town.

Officers involved in the public response to the shoplifting spike were assisted by Monty the police spaniel, who was rewarded for his efforts by being indulged on his favourite ball chasing pastime by the PCSOs involved.

Read next:

               Serial shoplifter explains why he steals as North East figures revealed

               Shopkeepers asked to help tackle rise in shop lifting in Crook

               Gang of shoplifters wanted for string of North East offences

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