Britain’s most prolific shoplifters will have their mugshots sent to stores and supermarkets in an attempt to stop them going on sprees across the country.
A rogues’ gallery of the worst offenders will be created so retail staff can immediately call police when they enter their stores.
The plan is being drafted as Britain deals with a surge in shoplifting blamed on organised criminal gangs, whose members are stealing products to sell on the internet or at car boot sales.
Known as Project Pegasus – and funded by major retailers including the Co-op, John Lewis and Next, as well as the Home Office – it will also map where the gangs are operating.
They often move from area to area, in the knowledge that police forces usually do not share intelligence with each other on shoplifters.
Katy Bourne, the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner who is overseeing Pegasus, said: ‘We know organised crime groups are involved.
‘They are stealing anything from cosmetics to electronic goods.’
Office for National Statistics figures show that shoplifting is up 25 per cent on last year.
Katy Bourne (pictured), the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner who is overseeing Pegasus, said: ‘We know organised crime groups are involved’
The plan is being drafted as Britain deals with a surge in shoplifting blamed on organised criminal gangs, whose members are stealing products to sell on the internet or at car boot sales
They often move from area to area, in the knowledge that police forces usually do not share intelligence with each other on shoplifters