Police have issued a “rogues gallery” of suspects, caught on camera stealing from shops in Bradford.

Officers are cracking down after a spate of thefts in the district, hitting retailers already struggling in the economic downturn.

Part of the clampdown involves the release of images of thieves caught in the act, in the hope of catching them and deterring others from stealing.

A Bradford police spokesman said: “We are working hard, alongside our partners, to crack down on shoplifters within the district.

“By releasing images of individuals caught on camera, we hope to increase the pressure on the offenders and quickly identify them.

“The theft of goods can have a significant impact on local stores that can ill afford to absorb the related costs.

“Our officers are therefore closely linked to Business Watch schemes in many areas, like Weaverthorpe Road in Tong, which are helping to prevent and detect such crimes.

“Targeted proactive operations also take place which often involve plain-clothed officers – however, we do require the public’s assistance in bringing the culprits to justice.

“If you have any information about those captured on the CCTV, please contact the non emergency number 101, or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.”

The offences featured include one at the Mace store, in Southfield Lane, Great Horton, on March 25, just after 7pm, when suspects are seen walking around the shop, selecting items and secreting them in their jackets before making off without attempting to pay. Stolen were shower gels, hair gels, wipes and deodorants.

Other thefts were:

  • on Saturday, March 24, just after 5pm, at Dunelm Mill, Sticker Lane, Laisterdyke, a suspect hides curtains under a pram and leaves without paying
  • on the same date, just before 12.30pm, at the Co-op, in Huddersfield Road, Low Moor; a suspect steals chicken fillets, cheese and coffee, hiding them in a bag, before escaping in a vehicle
  • a suspect removes bottles of wine from display and secretes them before leaving without paying from the Mannville Arms, in Great Horton Road, Great Horton, at 5.40pm, on Wednesday, March 21
  • the Co-op again in Huddersfield Road, Low Moor, on Tuesday, March 20, at 7.40pm, when a suspect entered the store, selected gammon joints worth £20 from the store and left without paying.

Anyone who recognises any of the suspects should contact Bradford South Police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.