Sydney police have arrested more than 100 people and recovered about $30,000 worth of stolen items in a campaign targeting shoplifters in the lead-up to Christmas.

New South Wales Police arrested and charged 102 people with a 135 offences during a week-long blitz on major retailers in Sydney city, Leichhardt, the Rocks and Botany Bay.

Detective chief superintendent Stuart Bell says the busy Christmas shopping period generally generates an increase in shoplifting.

"We often see an increase in retail theft and fraud, with thieves attempting to capitalise on increased pedestrian traffic and busy customer service staff," he said.

He says the goods targeted ranged from food through to expensive jewellery, clothing and computers.

"A male was arrested in George Street for stealing a number of laptop computers to the value of $10,000," he said.

"That male was also in possession of a magnetic de-tagging device which was used to remove the property from the store."