SHOPKEEPERS throughout Lancashire have now been given the power to target shoplifters by recovering their losses in the civil court.

The initiative has been introduced across the county as part of a new anti-crime partnership between Lancashire Constabulary and industry support group retail Loss Prevention.

It means that - once an offender has been charged or cautioned for an offence - the retailer can instruct a civil debt recovery company to take further action.

The aim is to stamp out the belief that shoplifting - which cost the retail industry around £2bn in 2002 - is a victimless crime and holding those who steal from shops accountable for the financial loss of their crime.

Lancashire Constabulary's Sergeant Steve Brown said: "Any court orders made will compensate the retailer financially and, unlike criminal court fines, they are never reduced.

"This approach is designed to discourage stealing from shops and stores.

"Not only will they receive a punishment in the criminal courts, but also the civil courts.

"In addition, the civil debt recovery company can confiscate property belonging to the offender to cover any award made by the court.

"The court can also obtain an order for employers to make payments direct to the retailer and obtain a charge over any house the offender owns.