EFFORTS to tackle shoplifting in St Helens town centre have led to a series of arrests – with one alleged offender held after trying to snatch steak.

St Helens Council CCTV crews, police and store security staff worked together to recover the goods and stop suspects.

In one incident TK Maxx staff used the Shopwatch radio system to pass on descriptions of a man and woman they suspected of hiding goods under their clothing and camera crews tracked their movements until police arrived.

Goods worth £60 and controlled drugs were recovered.

Three days later operators monitoring Church Square saw a woman placing goods in a bag outside a shop.

She was kept under surveillance as she headed towards St Helens Central railway station – where she was intercepted by police.

Stolen goods – including candles and CDs - were found in a nearby waste bin. A woman was later arrested.

And in the same week Marks & Spencer security staff reported that a man had 'bagged up' steak and other food items – then left without paying.

Four cameras tracked his movements as police were guided to a suspect’s location. A man was arrested and stolen goods recovered.