Swift action by Port Elizabeth led to the arrest three people, dubbed the A-team, who are believed to be behind a spate of shoplifting incidents in the Metro.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, said that police also confiscated clothing valued at more than R8 000 found in a car parked at Greenacres Shopping Centre.
She said loads of bags filled with clothing from various stores, were found in the white Mercedes Benz.
Naidu says mall security also alerted police to two alleged accomplices who were later arrested with items of clothing in their possession in Cape Road.
The suspects aged 40, 42 and 44, from Zwide in Port Elizabeth, are due to appear in court soon.
Police are warning shoppers and stores to be alert and vigilant. Mall security should keep a close eye on their CCTV monitors and deploy extra security guards at entrances and exits to the centres.
Stores should also pay careful attention to 'shoppers' lingering too long and also to monitor their change rooms closely. This is the modus operandi of these suspects who are dubbed the 'A' Team.