The Lynn News has been praised for its role in identifying a shoplifter who remained a mystery to the police.

Posters at police stations in the town failed to help detectives.

But a photo in the paper resulted in 40 calls identifying the suspect - including one from his father.

It was featured in the Lynn News's Crimebusters column, which has featured 12 crimes every Friday for the past 20 months.

Superintendent Tony Smith said: "No police officer could identify the person involved.

"In desperation we went to the Lynn News and published a photo of the individual, and we received 40 calls with one from the offender's father."

The news was revealed at a Crimestoppers meeting to launch a new publicity and poster campaign this week.

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