Following an increase in shoplifting offences in Merrylands, police have issued a warning for Christmas shoppers to be vigilant with their belongings.
Detective Inspector Gary James said shopping centres would be a magnet for shoplifters over the Christmas period.
Recently a Fairfield woman, 22, was charged over the theft of $700 worth of Gillette shavers from a store in the Stockland centre at Merrylands.
On a separate occasion last week, two women, both 24, were charged with the theft of arthritis pain killers, valued at $100.
Detective Inspector James said shoppers should keep their possessions on them at all times while shopping.
He warned against leaving possessions and recently-bought Christmas presents in parked cars near shopping centres.
Holroyd police would regularly patrol the Stockland shopping centre during the Christmas period, he said.