Image caption,

Shoplifters regularly target Adrian Bhagat's shop, in Nottingham

By Vinnie O'Dowd

BBC News

A persistent shoplifter has said the police need to do more to stop people like her stealing from businesses.

She said shoplifting was easy, and even the clothes she had on were stolen.

BBC News has been speaking to shops who are blighted by shoplifting - as well as those who are committing crimes.

It comes as retail bosses say they are now losing millions of pounds to thefts, which are being driven by organised crime gangs as well as persistent thieves.

Amy, not her real name, is a shoplifter. She says she has to steal from shops in Nottingham because her partner has an addiction, which leaves her with no money.

"This morning I stole two Monster energy drinks, I decided to steal some pasties that go in the microwave. I bought myself - well, I stole myself - some soup, some pork pies."

Looking down at her clothes she says: "I've stolen my shoes, my coat."

Small shops ask for help with 'brazen' shoplifters