POLICE have announced they will tighten security and increase patrols following a rise in reported shoplifting in South Flintshire.

Sgt Geraint Richards, of North Wales Police (NWP) South Flintshire policing team, said officers will be liaising with staff and security personnel in Mold and Broughton Retail Park following a spike in thefts from retailers in the past week.

One incident involved a suspect, who has been identified, stealing two bottles of spirits from Tesco in Mold.

Another separate incident involved a suspect removing a tag from a display item before taking it out of the Mold superstore without intent to pay.

Sgt Richards has also expressed concern over offenders who have targeted mobile phone stores in Broughton Retail Park on two separate occasions.

On Friday, September 7, at about 12noon, four Asian males wearing black baseball caps stole "a number of mobile phones" from the O2 store - using distraction techniques on staff.

Sgt Richards said: "The mobile phones were taken and the males were seen running off in the direction of the cinema/restaurant area.

"Anyone who witnessed the incident, please phone NWP on our non-emergency line 101, quoting reference number 18300092886."

Officers are also appealing for information after four males entered Carphone Warehouse on Tuesday, September 11 at about 10.30am.

A number of mobile phones were also stolen.

Sgt Richards said: "Two of the four males were described. Male one was wearing a black jacket, in his early 20s, looked to be of Asian origin and wearing a hat.

"Male two was wearing a black jacket and jeans. Police are pursing the investigation and anyone who saw the four males matching this description is encouraged to contact NWP with information.

"We will be clamping down on all thefts in the area, and we are emphasising that we will have a zero tolerance attitude towards future thefts and incidents."

Anyone with information regarding the Carphone Warehouse theft on Tuesday morning can quote reference number 18300094013.