MEAT and pregnancy tests are two of the most commonly stolen items by shoplifters in the district of Ashfield.

The revelation comes from Ashfield beat manager Sergeant Andy Downie, as the police launch a new scheme to try and reduce shoplifting.

In the two months from September 10 to November 9, there were 77 incidents of shoplifting in Ashfield north and police say the most commonly stolen items are either meat products or pregnancy testing kits.

Mr Downie said: "These items are stolen and then sold on to make a profit. This is unacceptable and costs local businesses a significant amount of money every year."

Some offences have happened at Tesco Express stores in Huthwaite, Kirkby and Sutton, and to combat this crime, police are sharing descriptions and photographs of known shoplifters with Tesco staff.

Mr Downie added: "There are a select few in our communities who think they can walk into our local stores and leave with items without paying and this will simply not be tolerated."

"Repeat offenders should know that their photographs and details have been sent to shop staff and that we will make it as difficult as possible for them to get away with this sort of crime."