Shoplifting gangs are targeting a mid-Essex town, it has been revealed.

Police believe Braintree is the focus for gangs some of which are travelling hundreds of miles to steal.

Officers believe Freeport designer shopping complex has lured the crooks to Braintree.

Since the new shops opened in November, more than 750,000 customers have flocked to the site - spending £10 million.

It is believed the shoplifters go on to the town centre to see what opportunities exist there.

Braintree Crime Prevention Officer Geoff Butler told the town centre strategy group that police were facing a new breed of shoplifter.

He said police had been successful in dealing with "homegrown shoplifters" but crooks from farther away were more difficult to spot.

The police had anticipated extra crime. Mr Butler said: "We have had a couple of operations running which have resulted in shoplifters being arrested."

Woolworths manager Michael Walkner said the number of customers had risen by between ten and 15 per cent, bringing an increase in both trade and shoplifting.

"These are not your normal local shoplifters. They are getting quite aggressive towards young staff."

He said: "They seem to be more organised and work together. One will create a distraction, while someone is taking things. We have been a bit naive to start with, but the town will get better at dealing with this."

Mr Walkner said that, if necessary, he would introduce uniformed security guards but he thought CCTV would help.

Town centre shops are considering taking extra precautions in order not to be seen as a soft target.

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