Shoplifting uncovered: A day on police patrol

"They've got one of the shoplifters running from them," said Sgt Harriet Harper as officers chased a prolific offender in Exeter city centre.

He was one of a number of people Devon and Cornwall Police had targeted in a shoplifting day of action that the BBC observed.

Official figures showed reported shoplifting in the Devon and Cornwall force area has risen by 38% in one year – 10% more than the national average.

A statement from Devon and Cornwall Police said it was "committed" to working with retailers and offering advice on how to protect themselves and their businesses.

'Complex topic'

As the BBC filmed, two men were arrested for a number of alleged shoplifting offences while officers were called to deal with other incidents, including disturbances in the street.

Police officers encouraged businesses to report all shoplifting to them so they could build an "accurate picture".

Previously shopkeepers had said they felt they needed to see more "positive action" from the police on the retail crime.

"We take shoplifting really seriously in Exeter," Sgt Harper said.

"We as police are doing everything we can with the resources we've got but it is a really complex topic."

Devon and Cornwall Police added it would continue to "tackle the rise in shoplifting, catch more offenders and keep retail workers safe".