arrested for the offence within 24 hours.

In the first instance, a 19-year-old cruise ship employee was caught as he allegedly tried to leave Phoenix Store on Reid Street without paying for a hair comb on Monday afternoon.

Around 4.30 p.m. that day a 16-year-old girl was detained by Phoenix staff after she allegedly tried to place a "nail kit'' in her bag and leave the store without paying.

And a 45-year-old man who was arrested at 6.40 p.m. on Monday outside the Co-Op Supermarket for stealing a $31 bottle of whiskey was fined $150 in Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

Daawud Muhammad, of Swans Bay Hill, Pembroke, admitted the offence.

Sgt. Anthony Mouchette, prosecuting, said Police were called to the Co-op after Muhammad was seen taking a bottle of whiskey off the shelf.

He placed the bottle in a bag and was caught as he tried to leave the store without paying.

Police spokesman P.c. Gary Venning said: "While some of these items may have a very small monetary value, once again we would like to remind the public that taking any item from a store without paying is classed as stealing and is therefore a serious offence.

"Most of the shops, stores and supermarkets around the Island have some method of detecting shoplifters and the chances of getting caught and arrested are very high.''