A gang of professional shoplifters ran out of a Corsham supermarket straight into the path of police.

PC Mike Moss and PCSO Gemma Bloomfield were patrolling outside Somerfield at New Place when they were alerted to a man and women fleeing the store, chased by staff.

The pair jumped into a waiting car with another man, while a fourth man ran away. It happened around 3pm last Tuesday.

The officers gave chase and, after the suspects had dumped the vehicle near St Bartholomew's church, a 49-year-old Bristol man and a 40-year-old woman, also from Bristol, were arrested in the churchyard. two other men escaped.

PC Moss suffered minor injuries in the arrest.

Police discovered £400 worth of alcohol and meat from the store in the car as well as other items from different shops. Substances thought to be drugs were found.

"We noticed a couple acting suspiciously and alerted the staff over the Tannoy," said a Somerfield spokesman.

"They must have heard because they dropped their goods and left them in the store.

"As they left we went out to tell them they were banned and were not allowed back.

"They ran around the side and we followed to get the car's registration. But the police were in the car park and hit the blues and twos and chased them."

The pair were arrested on suspicion of theft, drug possession, driving offences and failure to stop.

The woman has been bailed but the man was returned to prison after it was discovered he was in breach of his licence.

The Somerfield spokesman said: "Usually shoplifting is kids stealing sweets but they were good professionals.

"It was all branded stuff and they steal to order.

"They have gone around on a drive out from Bristol and would have moved on to other stores."

"Shoplifting is a massive problem but a fact of life in supermarkets," he added.

"We have just about cracked it now because we have a zero tolerance policy."

And PC Moss warned those who felt Corsham was an easy target for shoplifting.

"Due to the proximity to the motorway and the road out of Bristol we can sometimes be targeted by cross-border criminals but we are ready for them," said PC Moss.

Police are appealing for witnesses who may have any information to call 0845 408 7000.

5:35pm Friday 16th May 2008

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