Local police have issued a warning that a social media trend encouraging shoplifting has spread to North West Leicestershire.

A TikTok craze called the Shoplifting Challenge has seen children encourage each other to steal from shops.

Now officers are clamping down on it and say they have already 'dealt with' a number of youngsters as a result.

The videos on TikTok challenges young people to 'see how much they can shoplift in a day'.

A social media post from North West Leicestershire Police says: "Police have become aware of a new TikTok trend where children are encouraging each other to steal from shops, known as the 'Shoplifting Challenge'.

"We have seen this take place in North West Leicestershire, leading to a number of youths being dealt with by the police.

"We would encourage any shops who have been victims to report the matter to the police, and for any parents who suspect their children may be involved in this challenge, to remind them that this is a criminal offence and not just harmless fun."

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The methods are being referred to as 'borrowing' on the social media app and involve hiding items up sleeves and even in takeaway drinks cups.

It saw a surge in popularity during the first Covid lockdown.

Critics say the videos are 'openly providing tutorials on this method of shoplifting'.