Retailers say they have turned to the tactic “as a deterrent” amid a growing sense of frustration over rising theft and what they describe as a lack of police action. Clothes and accessories shops are reportedly among the most affected.

Some shopkeepers claim the approach has proven effective, with individuals often reimbursing the stolen goods – though not directly. Nicolas Denouette, who owns 15 shops selling clothing and decorative crafts, said: “The person who stole never comes and pays themselves. Either they send someone else or they ask for our bank details. I assume that’s because they feel embarrassed.”

A pharmacy in northeast Paris previously made headlines for displaying images of suspected shoplifters in-store in an attempt to dissuade further thefts.

Yet those behind the posts may themselves be breaking the law, as sharing such images without permission is illegal. Mr Denouette told Le Parisien: “If I’m not 100 per cent certain that the person has stolen, I don’t publish.”

More than 15,000 shopkeepers have now joined campaign group Ras le Vol (Fed Up with Theft), a group that supports retailers affected by shoplifting.

A survey of over 1,350 shop owners conducted by the group found that more than 30 per cent had posted footage or images of suspected thieves. Many reported a drop in thefts after doing so.

However, the group’s leader, Jérôme Jean, warned of the legal risks involved. He said the group does not encourage posting such images and that those who do face penalties of “a year in prison and a €45,000 fine”.

According to the same survey, thefts from shops rose by 15.5 per cent in the first quarter of this year compared with the same period in 2023. Only 52 per cent of shopkeepers said they reported the incidents to police.

“In my 15 years as a retailer the police only found a shoplifter once, so I don’t waste my time reporting thefts to them any more,” said Krystian Grand, who runs a shop specialising in tableware and home décor.