Police have confirmed an arrest has been made after two shoplifting incidents in Largs on the same day by an alleged perpetrator.
The incidents happened at Semi-Chem in Tron Place in Largs town centre, with a total of seven shopliftings taking place during the reporting period of mid-May to mid-June.
The crimes featured in the recent report provided by Police Scotland to Largs Community Council.
Largs Police had a 100 per cent rate in detections following an upscaling in the targeting of shoplifting offences as revealed at a recent police sub-committee meeting of North Ayrshire Council.
The Largs Community Council report states that an arrest took place after the two incidents were detected at Semi-Chem on May 18.
Semi-Chem was targeted again on June 1 in a separate incident, and another arrest took place, police confirmed.
The other incidents took place at Tesco on May 21, and Boots on May 22, both of which were also detected.
Further shopliftings took place in Co-op and Tesco Express on May 28, both of which resulted in arrests, as well as a second incident at Tesco Express on June 16.
Police Scotland revealed in the recent North Ayrshire Council meeting with emergency services that there was a greater focus on shoplifting after a reported rise in such offences.
The report handed out to local councillors said: "The current year to date has seen an increase in the number of theft by shoplifting crimes in the sub division.
"A dedicated retail crime team has a focus on the crimes of shoplifting to detect crimes when they occur and to work with retailers to prevent crimes taking place.
"The team will focus on working with retailers to expedite the investigation and bring those responsible to justice.
"Officers engage with the retailers to share information in relation to thefts, provide details on items most likely to be targeted and to ensure security officers within retailers are aware of any current trends.
"North Ayrshire has been subject of organised criminal teams who are operating throughout the country.
"And the use of police bail undertaking or court ordered bail conditions are one method of protecting retailers across North Ayrshire."
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