Local police are running an operation to clamp down on shoplifters in the run up to Christmas.

At the weekend officers in Abergavenny used a mixture of high visibility and plain clothes tactics to catch thieves in the act.

During the crackdown four people were caught stealing from local stores in the town.

One prolific shoplifter was also arrested for stealing just four days after being released from prison for shoplifting. She was due to appear in court on Monday (November 28).

Officers have also applied for a Criminal behaviour Order from the court which will ban her from the town centre.

During the same operation a woman was identified for being responsible for a high value theft and enquiries are on-going for her arrest.

Two further thefts were also reported and investigation work is underway to identify the offenders responsible.

Abergavenny Ward manager PC Adam Hollings said, “We know there is usually an increase in theft from shops in the run up to Christmas where local offenders and travelling criminals steal items to sell on as Christmas presents.

“My message to anyone considering stealing anything in our town, would be that we are out there looking for you, we will catch you and you will suffer the consequences.”

For more advice on how to keep your belongings safe whilst out and about head over to the website gwent.police.uk/advice-and-guidance/safety/.’