AN OPERATION to tackle shoplifting offenders in Monmouth town centre took place last weekend.

Monmouth officers took to the streets in two schemes to raise awareness of shoplifting in town.

The first part involved officers in plain clothes acting suspiciously in stores that have Store Net, which is the communications system between shops and the police. The idea was to test the observation skills of the retailers, and have them put descriptions out over Store Net to see if the undercover officers were spotted going into other shops and then challenged by staff.

The second part of the operation involved Gwent Police officer PC Chris Butt dressing up as a masked burglar and carrying a swag bag around Monmouth town full of crime prevention goodies and leaflets.

Community Support Officers were also assisting and speaking to members of the public.