CWMBRAN officers are running an operation to clamp down on shoplifting following an increase in the number of incidents.

In January and February this year, there were 61 incidents of shoplifting reported to police.

Officers have been working to target those committing the offences .

27 individuals have been arrested. Of those, 20 have been charged and six have received fixed penalty notices.

Officers have been and are continuing to conduct patrols in uniform as well as plain clothes, and are working closely with local security staff, store detectives and CCTV operators in and around the area.

A new Cwmbran Retail Shop Watch has also been launched which aims to reduce crime by improving the information shared between shops, businesses, the police and the council.

Torfaen Inspector David Morgan explained: "Cwmbran shopping centre remains one of the busiest in Gwent and has an excellent mix of independent and national shops for the honest shopper. For those shoppers who aren’t honest, be warned, we are watching and you will be caught.

"As a busy local shopping destination, we have unfortunately seen an increase in the number of incidents of shoplifting in Cwmbran over recent months.

"Local officers are determined to prevent shoplifting as well as target those responsible. We have increased our patrols in the shopping centre, utilising both uniform and plain clothed officers.

"We have already charged 20 people for recent offences, I want to send out a clear message to those who think they can visit this town and steal – think again."