shoplifting.

And they are asking for more guidance from parents and teachers to stop the youngsters destroying their futures because of petty crime.

Shopkeepers, who are facing heavy losses because of theft, are beginning to get tough by taking thieves to court.

And a criminal record at an early age could cause problems for teenagers applying for jobs or attending college in the United States.

The latest incident involved school students who were caught stealing goods from a store on Union Street, Hamilton.

Fortunately the owner of the store spotted them and forced them to return the goods, but they then managed to escape and flee the scene.

Police spokesman Sgt. Roseanda Jones said: "We are very concerned about the numbers of young people who are indulging in this type of behaviour.

"We are urging parents, teachers and care-givers to emphasise to our young people the seriousness of this crime.

"Make them fully aware of the consequences of shoplifting, including how it can affect their future.

"Shopkeepers are becoming more and more determined to prosecute because they are losing so much merchandise to shoplifters. Shoplifting is just not worth it.'' Police are seeking information about an intruder who broke into a Roxdene Lane home on Tuesday.

The occupier, a Pembroke woman, heard a noise and saw the intruder who fled the scene.