A MAN has been charged with shoplifting in Helensburgh after police reportedly saw him "acting suspiciously" in the town.

Police Scotland said the man ran away from officers, who then pursued him.

The man was reportedly traced later - and, according to police, had changed clothes in a bid to avoid detection.

The 52-year-old is suspected of stealing property from three local businesses, including a charity shop.

He was later charged with six counts of theft by shoplifting and one of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “On Thursday, November 17, 2022, officers arrested a man who was suspected of having been involved in several alleged thefts from shops in the town.

"The 52-year-old man was arrested and charged with these alleged offences, and a further three from Wednesday, October 5, 2022, and released on an undertaking to appear at court at a later date.”

A social media post from police about the incident sparked some backlash from the public, with one person commenting: "If this is a genuine person that the only way he can survive is to do this, then he deserves help from the authorities.

"If not, then he deserves what he gets. No one should judge this individual or anyone in the current climate if they don’t know their circumstances.

"People are being pushed into criminal activity just to survive because of the criminals that are called the government."

Another said: "I hope the PF (procurator fiscal) drops the charges. Guy clearly needs help, not a Facebook post about him and charges."

Police responded with a follow-up post, stating they have referred a number of vulnerable people to the appropriate bodies.

It read: "Following yesterday's post of officers from Argyll and West Dunbartonshire Police Division successfully detecting a male for several thefts, many of you raised the highly valid point of support being available for people who offend.

"This has never been more relevant, particularly during a time when the cost of living is difficult for all of us.

"Did you know that between April and June this year, officers made 870 adult and 1,611 child concern reports to other agencies to help support the people we meet?

"Our officers meet people every day who are dealing with several challenges.

"These concerns include finances, employment, housing, relationships or addictions.

"Officers have a range of ways they can provide support.

"We can make a child or adult protection referral through to social work for support, a referral for a #DistressBriefIntervention to partners from SAMH or Support in Mind Scotland and refer to Victim Support Scotland, we also make referrals for anyone who comes into police custody to We Are With You."