THIEVES with a taste for the high life are behind a rise in shoplifting in Devizes with champagne and other expensive alcohol favourite among thieves.

A report from Devizes Development Partnership to the town council shows that CCTV cameras have revealed an increase in shoplifting. The report says: "Higher end alcohol such as champagne are on the increase. Assaults are also up, with much of the problem centred around the Silk Mercer pub."

Last month a Devizes man suffered serious injuries after being attacked outside the pub in St John's Street after a large crowd of youths gathered in the road in the early hours of the morning. But the attack happened two hours after the pub closed and its manager reported there had been no trouble inside.

The town council was told that the CCTV system was fully operational but cameras in The Brittox and outside the National Westminster bank were showing signs of age which was reducing their effectiveness.

Replacements cameras would cost £6,000 and it is hoped grants from Devizes Area Board and the town Council of £2,000 each along with £2,000 from the development partnership would cover the cost.