Police Interceptors: Taking Down the Shoplifting Gangs

In Lancashire, armed police units are scrambled in a manhunt for a violent shoplifter who has stabbed a security guard with a 19 cm blade, while Preston police's dedicated shop-theft task force is targeting a violent and prolific shoplifter who has smashed bottles of alcohol, accosted staff and stolen £900 worth of beauty products.

Detectives in Cheshire investigate a prolific international criminal gang responsible for stealing £160,000 worth of premium goods from Asda over 81 raids, distracting security as they hit stores across the country. Police use ANPR to trace their vehicles and close in on the group. In Preston, a man is held for shop theft, possession of a weapon and affray, with police racing to secure evidence before the 24-hour deadline, while Operation Vulture launches a day of action to disrupt and arrest the most wanted shop thieves.

In Operation Even, police must piece together incriminating clips to determine the roles played by suspects, preparing a dawn raid to catch them by surprise. In Burnley, Sgt Victoria mobilises her team to go after prolific suspects, including two brothers whose campaign of shoplifting is out of control.

Officers pursue suspects armed with a crowbar and an air rifle who robbed a member of the public, and the police helicopter is called in to assist when the chase goes off road. PC's John Douglas and Joe Gorman spot a BMW driver with his foot down and when they get behind the car, the rear wheel is so worn down that sparks are coming from the tyre. In Hull, PC Susan Scott and Rich Starkie race to the scene after reports of a pedestrian being knocked over by a car.