By Hayley Robinson

A zero tolerance approach is being taken against shoplifters.

As part of the latest operation to target offenders the Neighbourhood Team has put plain clothes officers in stores, ready to catch the culprits in the act.

Those caught red handed are then issued with formal notices banning them from entering that store.

Sgt Dan Worthington (pictured) is convinced it sends the right message to thieves.

"If someone enters a shop after being banned they can be prosecuted under civil trespass laws. If they steal from somewhere they have been banned from they can be prosecuted for burglary, which carries much stiffer sentences," he said.

As part of the operation a dedicated investigator is also reviewing historic offences and current cases.

"Career criminals are making a tidy living from shoplifting in our town," said Sgt Worthington.

"Because of their actions shops increase their prices to compensate for stolen stock, which means it's the law-abiding residents of Sittingbourne who end up paying for the crimes of others.

"Our message to the lawbreakers is that if they shoplift in Sittingbourne they will be arrested, their house may be searched and they risk going to prison."

Officers have also been working closely with both independent retailers and chain stores to assess security measures already in place such as CCTV and the availability of security staff.

Sgt Worthington added: "We are looking at whether stores keep high value goods near the door, check their CCTV regularly or challenge people acting suspiciously.

"The crime figures are fairly static, but we are hearing that shopkeepers are seeing a surge in the amount of criminal activity, probably as a result of the economic situation."

The initiative, which will continue throughout the year, is being extended to Faversham and the Isle of Sheppey.

Any stores wanting to take part can contact the Sittingbourne Neighbourhood Team on 01795 419119 or email Sittingbourne.neighbourhood@kent.pnn.police.uk