Police officers this week launched their Festive Retail Safety Campaign.
Community officers will carry out high visibility patrols and plain clothed patrols to deter and detect those involved in retail crime.
They will also work closely with Retailers Against Crime, CCTV operators and retailers.
Those arrested face being held in police custody and banned from some stores.
Officers will also hold a number of “pop up shops” in The Loreburne Centre, Tesco and Marks and Spencer where they will provide advice on staying safe whilst out shopping and will highlight the risks of buying counterfeit items.
A force spokesperson said: “Historically at this time of the year retailers experience a rise in retail crime whilst we also see an increase in travelling crime groups visiting our town to carry out pick pocket style thefts.
“Meanwhile, if you are out Christmas shopping, stay safe, avoid carrying large sums of money and keep your PIN hidden when using cash machines.”
