Police carried out patrols in the busy shopping areas.

Six people were arrested after plain-clothed police targeted shoplifters in Preston city centre.

Eight police officers wearing plain clothes carried out patrols on foot and on bikes in the busy shopping areas on Friday.

As a result of the operation:

11 people were stopped and searched and two of these were given a community resolution.
10 stores were provided with reassurance visits.
6 people were arrested. One has since been charged. Jaequarn Silcott, 19, of Oxford Street, Preston was charged with possession with intent to supply a Class A drug.

Police officers in Preston have been blending in with shoppers and store staff as they continue to tackle shoplifting in the city (Credit: Google) | Google

placeholder image — Police officers in Preston have been blending in with shoppers and store staff as they continue to tackle shoplifting in the city (Credit: Google) | Google

Operation Vulture is Lancashire Police's response to tackling shoplifting across the county.

Insp Dave Byrne from Preston Neighborhood Policing team said: "This was a really successful operation with some great results.

"We supported some of the highest-affected stores in Preston City Centre, and we will continue this work to stamp-out shoplifting and hold the offenders to account.

The message is really clear: shoplifting will not be tolerated in Preston and we will continue our work to tackle this sort of criminality.

"You never know when you will be in the presence of a plain-clothed police officer."

To report a crime to police, you can call 101 or report online at https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk/.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Always call 999 in an emergency.