CITY retailers have been handed evidence bags to help cops snare shoplifters during the busy festive period.

The Retail Crime Unit, which operates out of Stewart Street Police Office, has approached several popular retailers in Glasgow City Centre with the initiative that allows them to collate production items which can later be used as evidence for prosecuting.

A summit was held in the city centre cop shop last month for the first time with representatives from Marks & Spencer, Primark, Debenhams, Buchanan Galleries, St Enoch's Centre and the Scottish Business Resilience Centre all in attendance.

They were shown a presentation which unveiled measures that can be introduced in stores for crime prevention.

Officers from the city centre problem solving team also visited stores with packs which included the evidence bags so retailers have them at the ready should they catch anyone stealing items.

If a thief is caught red-handed, the items they have taken are put in the evidence bag, which is then sealed and handed over to cops.

The policing plan to tackle the festive spike in city centre shoplifting will also included high visibility patrols by police officers as well as plain-clothed cops.

It will run throughout December in a bid to crackdown on festive shoplifters.

Chief Inspector Audrey Hand said: "There are all sorts of different tactics used by shoplifters which is why we give out a variety of advice to the retailers.

"Having the evidence bags ready helps officers with processing those accused of shoplifting crimes. In the past, officers had to chase up security officers etc."

She added: "The retailers were delighted that we engaged with them and they know what our plans are, they felt involved so it was really positive."

The top cop's team recently reported a woman who has since been remanded in custody where she is accused of a number of high value thefts - and her message is clear to anyone intent on shoplifting.

She said: "We will be doing everything possible to bring them to justice.

"We are looking for retailers to report matters, give descriptions and work with us."