'Shoplifter' critical after collapsing

An alleged shoplifter who lost consciousness at a NSW store is in a critical condition.

The man, believed to be aged in late 40s, collapsed on Saturday after he was detained at the industrial equipment store in Lisarow, north of Gosford, police told AAP.

They say it's not believed he was attacked in any way.

After noticing the man was in trouble and needed assistance staff called police, who performed CPR until paramedics arrived.

They took him to Gosford Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

No charges are expected to be laid against anyone except the alleged thief, but investigations are continuing, police said.