Police in Exeter are carrying out extra foot patrols across the city in a bid to reduce shoplifting.
Operation Handbag, which began in January, involves Devon and Cornwall Police, Exeter Businesses against Crime (EBAC) and local authority CCTV employees.
And officers say it is already deterring shoplifters.
Officers have delivered bespoke training sessions to security staff from retail outlets, giving them practical advice on dealing with offendersPolice inspector for Exeter Tanya Youngs, said: "The visible foot patrols are proving positive in deterring shoplifters.
"We will carry out positive enforcement where necessary.
"Our partners have said that our patrols have begun to deter shoplifters and beggars. Operation Handbag will continue to reinforce the message that Exeter City Centre will not tolerate any theft or anti social behaviour which has an impact on anyone working or visiting the area."
John Harvey, Exeter's city centre manager, welcomed the crack down.
He said: "There's an underlying issue and of course it is really important that we try and remain on top of that.
"It's important that we get the message out that we are not soft on shoplifting. It is not a victimless crime because we all pay for it through higher prices.
"Often the people engaging in shoplifting are involved in other criminal activities as well so if caught shoplifting you are opening up other things as well.
"We have to sustain what we are doing as otherwise we will see a reverse in the progress that we are making.
"Exeter Businesses Against Crime is a very important part of our armoury against shoplifting week in week out and sends a very powerful message that if you come to Exeter and engage in shoplifting there is a very high chance that you will get caught.
"It's important that that message is very loud and very out there although we would simply rather that people didn't engage in shoplifting in the first place.
"Of course it is welcome that the police are doing this as we have been looking for some time for a greater focus on this."
