Amsterdam - Dutch police in Groningen in the northern Netherlands have arrested 140 teenagers suspected of having shoplifted at least 230 stores, Dutch media reported on Thursday.

The police say many of the 140 teenagers - mostly girls aged 12 to 17 - were acquainted but were not members of any gang.

The arrests could be made after police arrested two young thieves in March. Their confessions and two subsequent investigations led to the arrest of the other teenagers.

The young thieves mostly stole make-up and clothes which they later hid in school lockers. (dpa)