Police seize Red Bull and wine at Ancoats, Manchester shop

The cans of what appears to be Red Bull and bottles of wine, as well as laundry detergent, were seized after officers visited a shop in Ancoats, Manchester.

They were there to investigate allegations that the business was reselling stolen items and found some of the cans had been marked with “SmartWater”.

This is a liquid that can mark goods without a visible trace, and which can later be identified by officers and retailers.

Greater Manchester Police’s force lead for retail crime, Superintendent Cara Charlesworth, said: “Retail crime remains a huge priority for Greater Manchester Police.

“We completely understand and appreciate the frustrations of businesses who experience issues with shoplifters, and we are constantly reviewing new crime-prevention methods that can aid our work.

More than 500 cans of energy drinks and 70 bottles of wine were seized (Image: GMP)

“As part of the action being taken across Greater Manchester, our local teams have been utilising multiple resources to prevent and deter shoplifters.

“This work has seen us secure nearly 4,000 shoplifting arrests over the last year, ranging from repeat offenders and opportunistic thieves to organised criminal gangs systematically stealing goods for re-selling purposes.

“One tool being used across our busy Manchester retail areas is ‘SmartWater’, a liquid that can mark goods and which can later assist in identifying stolen items.

“We have worked closely with local retailers as part of this scheme, and which has already produced multiple successful results, targeting gangs who are stealing from stores for illicit profit.

“In recent weeks, we have conducted several warrants and investigations across Manchester – including on one occasion when more than 500 energy drinks and 70 bottles of wine were recovered.

“These items were traced back to their original stores and we continue to work with those retailers to ensure we are providing all necessary support.

“By working with stores, workers, local partners, and communities in our areas, we will continue to take robust action to tackle retail crime and continue our trend of increased positive outcomes across Greater Manchester.”

In another investigation, a second-hand store was investigated and found to be selling suspected stolen goods.

Police say the suspected stolen items are in the process of being reunited with their owners, and officers are still investigating the full circumstances.