"Shoplifting is rife" in Crediton claim shopkeepers who are calling for the re-introduction of the previously-operated shop owners ring-round telephone warning system and for more visible "bobbies on the beat".

During the last week the Courier has received reports of three incidents of shoplifting and further investigations have revealed the true extent of the problem.

Gift shop, Olivia James Design, at 27 High Street, bore the brunt of the recent spate.

It has seen the theft of a child's babygrow, valued at £34, and 11 unique Emma Bridgewater design hessian shopping bags.

Olivia James Design business partner, Danny O'Connor, was so annoyed by the theft of the items that he is offering a reward for information which leads to the recovery of the items and a successful prosecution of the offender or offenders.

"I am not going to take this lying down," he said, "We have already increased our security as a result.

"The stolen items are quite distinctive and we are the only shop in a 20-mile radius selling the bags, so we are looking out to see if we see anyone with them.

"We sold one of the babygrows online, recently. It is really disappointing.

"We have told the police and they have been helpful."

Mr O'Connor said that anyone with information regarding the thefts should contact the police on 08542 777444, quoting crime reference KC/09/635.

Another recent incident of shoplifting was reported by staff at Boots, the chemist, at 126 High Street.

Female shop staff, who asked not to be named, said a man was spotted stealing nappies and leaving the store.

They followed the man, who gave the items back, but they were unable to detain him.

The extent of the problem of shoplifting was confirmed by staff who work in other shops.

Shirley Buckingham, manageress at the Hospiscare charity shop, at 129 High Street, said: "The amount of shoplifting is shocking.