Shoplifting in a north Shropshire town is so bad that a major high street store has reportedly had to lock some of its doors on a busy day to keep thieves at bay, a meeting was told.

Traders in Market Drayton heard that Boots in Cheshire Street had to take the action to combat the problem – as police vowed they were doing all they could to clamp down on shoplifting in the town.

The culprits, many of whom are said to have alcohol and drug addictions, are even targeting charity shops like Sue Ryder Cancer Care, last night’s meeting of Market Drayton Chamber of Commerce heard.

The details emerged as worried traders met new north Shropshire police inspector Rik Klair to discuss the problem in the wake of a survey which estimated shops were jointly losing about £7,500 each month.

Constable Martin Powell, of Market Drayton police, told members: “There is a problem at the moment with a small hardcore of persistent offenders.”

Andy Brown, chamber vice-chairman, said: “The traders are being run ragged and it’s the same people responsible so we are getting to know their faces now and they come back time after time.”

He added that one thief, who had been banned from a shop, continued to try and access the store undetected by dragging himself across the floor “commando style”.

Sharon Fox-Byrne, from Sports United in Shropshire Street, said: “Boots had to lock some of its doors on a Saturday. For a small town it’s unbelievable.”

She added that many of those responsible had addiction problems and would not be deterred by on-the-spot fines.

Inspector Klair said he was happy to share information about thieves with traders and by issuing stiffer penalties.

He said: “We can look at making a local agreement where we don’t issue the £80 fixed penalty notices to thieves unless certain criteria are met.

“The shop watch scheme could be improved if retailers say they will ban someone from all the stores for stealing from one store.”