Market Drayton scheme sees shoplifting plummet by 65 per cent

Having expanded and re-launched the Market Drayton Shopwatch scheme last month, retail theft figures have dropped by about 65 per cent.

According to Safer Neighbourhood Officer Constable Mick Sturland, since the scheme came into action in June businesses have seen real improvement.

He said: "Since April 1 there have been 22 shoplifting offences in Market Drayton of which 75 per cent were detectable with named offenders.

"However, since the launch of the new Shopwatch scheme, there have only been three such offences all of which were highlighted through the Shopwatch resulting in a quicker response.

"We currently have just over 70 shops and premises signed up to the new scheme so in essence, we have more than 70 sets of eyes and ears helping us to detect and deter crime around the town."

The watch involves member retailers being given a photographic list of known shoplifters.

They are then able to refuse entry and service to these people, giving offenders no chance to commit crimes.

The relaunch also saw participating stores gain radio link to the Safer Neighbourhood Team or the on duty sergeant, as well as allowing shops to contact each other about offenders and crime in the area.

Paul Kay, store manager of Boots, said the scheme has been invaluable and has seen a real fall in crime.

He said: "We've seen a decline in the number of offenders since Christmas, and since the relaunch last month.

"It's very useful having the radio as we are able to directly contact the Police Community Support Officer and we get a lot of information from other shops so we know who to look out for.

"We wouldn't bar anyone from the store unless we caught them offending here but it is very useful knowing who the offenders are.

"I wouldn't go without the Shopwatch scheme now, it is really great."

Along with the recent success of the similarly structures Pubwatch scheme, the initiative has allowed retail staff to try and tackle crime before it happens.

Pc Sturland said: "We have empowered staff and employees to have confidence and faith in their powers to decline entrance and service to those on the list.

"I am convinced shops and other retail premises in Market Drayton are more switched on than previously and confident enough to target known shoplifters."

And whilst the scheme has been running for about six years, the relaunch has seen a huge improvement to the services and crime in the town reduced.

Chairman for the town's Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Mark Whittle said: "It is a brilliant scheme for retailers and is doing a great job.

"There is always room for improvement and it would be good to see even more radios around the town to pull figures down further."

For more information on the Shopwatch scheme, visit www.westmercia.police.uk/watch