POLICE have arrested a suspected thief in Prescot.

The arrest is the latest as part of a police operation targeting retail theft.

After an investigation into a series of thefts, a man has been arrested.

On Wednesday afternoon, December 6, two Police Community Support Officers detained the suspect on Lathum Close, in Whiston.

He remains in custody for questioning, police said.

The Star reported as police launched Operation Shepherd, a pre-Christmas crackdown on retail theft, and other recent arrests of suspects officers have made in the area. 

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A Merseyside Police statement said: "As we approach the festive period, we're increasing our presence at retail locations to prevent crime, detect offenders and keep everyone safe as part of Operation Shepherd.

"We’re regularly deploying plain clothes operations right across Knowsley to identify potential offenders and prevent shop thefts before they happen.

"Retail theft can be devastating for smaller retailers and deeply distressing for the staff of larger ones. Having a relationship with your local police can help reduce crime because it helps to identify local repeat offenders.

"A high percentage of thefts are carried out by organised individuals and teams, which makes taking a strategic approach to theft prevention for shops incredibly important.

"So if you see us, ask us about theft prevention; and if you don’t see us, it doesn’t mean we aren’t there…

"Information about crime? Tell us.

"You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at https://orlo.uk/7e3DY."