POLICE have increased their presence in a popular shopping centre.

Police Community Support Officers are patrolling Churchill Square Shopping Centre in Brighton in an attempting to reduce shoplifting.

In a statement released by Brighton and Hove Police, the force said officers will be visible in and around the popular shopping location.

“PCSOs are out patrolling in the sunshine and inside Churchill Square alongside Brilliant Brighton to help reduce shoplifting and other business related offences. Say hi if you see us.”

The Argus: Police patrols in Churchill Square shopping centre, Brighton Police patrols in Churchill Square shopping centre, Brighton

Alongside the statement, the force also shared a picture of a PCSO alongside the ‘Brighton’ sign outside the former Debenhams store.

Last month, a shoplifter was jailed after he was caught on CCTV brazenly stealing dozens of items and abusing shop workers.

Michael Murray pleaded guilty to 33 counts of theft and one count of failing to comply with a community protection notice.

A total of 31 of the theft offences took place at a Co-op store in Whitehawk Road during May, June, November and December last year, while the other two were at the Hollister store in Churchill Square.

He was sentenced to 16 months in jail and issued with a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order, banning him from all Co-op stores in Brighton and Hove, the Asda in Brighton Marina and the whole of Churchill Square shopping centre.

Also last month, a woman suffered facial injuries after being attacked outside the shopping centre.

The victim was waiting at a bus stop in Western Road, Brighton, when a woman known to her got off a bus.

After a brief argument outside Churchill Square shopping centre, the woman punched her in the face before fleeing the area.

She suffered facial injuries in the assault on February 11.