After calling for back up, colleagues secured an arrest, proving that GMP officers are always on-duty, even on their lunch break.
A 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft, and it turned out he was also wanted on suspicion of burglary in North Manchester, drug offences in Scotland and failing to appear at court.
He remains in custody for questioning.
Detective Inspector Natalie McDonald, of GMP’s City of Manchester Central Neighbourhood Crime Team, said: “Shoplifting is never acceptable and can be hugely damaging to the local community.
“We continue to work closely with local stores and local partners to ensure the best work possible is being done to tackle shoplifting.
"My team were quickly on hand to assist with the arrest and were with me in a matter of minutes from when I called it in.
“Although this arrest was as a result of proactive policing, if we receive a report from the public, we will act on it, and our officers are committed to keeping our streets safe while also reducing crime.”
