POLICE in Winsford have identified 11 under 16s who have been shoplifting in the town.

Winsford police have had increased reports of children who are shoplifting, with sweets and fizzy drinks being stolen.

Now, 11 young people have been identified and interviewed under caution.

These include one 11-year-old boy and two 11-year-old girls, two 12-year-old boys and one 12-year-old girl, plus three 14-year-old boys and two 15-year-old boys.

A statement posted on social media reads: “Over the past few months, Cheshire Police has been made aware of an increase in instances of shoplifting by children.

“Winsford BEAT officers work closely with local schools to identify children who are committing crime.

“From CCTV images, and conversations with partner agencies we have successfully identified a number of suspects.

“These have been interviewed under caution at the police station, with their parents present.

“Items stolen are primarily sweets and fizzy drinks.

“This is nothing to do with a cost-of-living crisis, this is children breaking the law and taking things that don't belong to them when they are out in groups.

“They are now all in the police system, and we will be working with them to try to prevent them from committing crime in the future.

“This involves some education, apologies to the store staff for their behaviour, and where appropriate, tasks such as litter picking outside the shops to show that actions have consequences.

“We don't want to ruin a child's future before it's even started, but it is the responsibility of the parents to ensure that their children behave appropriately.

“If these children break the law again, the matter will be escalated.”