Thieves will be pursued in the civil courts by debt recovery firms for the money for the stolen goods, under a scheme devised by police and retailers.

Nationally, retail crime cost the industry �2bn in 2002.

Sgt Steve Brown said: "Court orders made will compensate the retailer financially and, unlike criminal court fines, are never reduced."

Debt recovery

When an offender is cautioned or charged with an offence, the retailer can instruct the debt recovery company to take further action.

Sgt Brown added: "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."