Shoplifters: At War with the Law

Security guard Paul takes a call about a group of women who have been seen on CCTV taking items from a high street store. When they are approached the guards spot suspicious bulges under their full-length skirts.

A look on the frontline with those who are putting their lives on the line to catch shoplifters.

At West Orchard's shopping centre in Coventry, the specialist security team are helping to combat a nationwide epidemic of shoplifting. The team get a tip off from Birmingham that an organised criminal gang is heading their way.

Shoplifters strike 200 times every hour in Britain, stealing £2.2 billion. With the police crippled by budget cuts, retailers are fighting back. A look on the frontline with those who are putting their lives on the line to catch criminals.

Ed and Steve are on London's Oxford Street when a call comes in for a pair of suspected shoplifters working together and spotted inaction and are now fleeing the scene. Lee Thompson is a master pickpocket, but uses his skills on stage to entertain.

Today they're hot on the heels of a criminal duo who have a tried and tested routine - as one enters the store to clear the shelves, the other waits outside ready to receive the stolen goods.

The fight against the rise of shoplifting. In London's West End undercover officers pursue a known 'dipper', and in Birmingham a stolen bank card scam becomes threatening.

In Coventry, a prolific shoplifter is caught, and claims he steals out of necessity. At a QD store someone thinks they can get away with not paying for their Christmas shopping.

Undercover detective Steve tails two suspects who have evaded capture before, and later deals with a woman suspected of stealing thousands of pounds' worth of perfume from an upmarket store.