Festive shoplifters are being warned that their chances of being caught have increased as police and retailers join forces in the run up to Christmas.

Posters have been placed in a number of shops across the Broadland district to warn shoplifters of the consequences of being caught.

This action is part of a plan which will see officers taking a zero tolerance approach to shoplifting offences in the area.

Officers will carry out patrols in and around retail premises, offering advice to shoppers and deterring offences.

Police will also carry out patrols in car parks to ensure shopping bags and presents are out of sight to reduce the chances of motorists falling victim to opportunist crimes.

Chief Insp Neil Baily said: 'We are supporting our partners in the retail premises in Broadland with high visbility and plain clothed patrols, many shops are also putting on extra security staff during the Christmas period.

'We would encourage members of the public to be vigilant when in retail premises and report anything suspicious to staff immediately'.

It is hoped the operation will follow the success of a shoplifting crackdown last year which saw shoplifting offences reduce by 30pc during December compared to the previous year.

Anyone who witnesses an act of shoplifting is encouraged to report it immediately by telling shop staff, security or phoning the police, in an emergency call 999 or non emergency call 0845 4564567.