Market Drayton traders told how to deal with shoplifters

Police in Market Drayton are joining forces with traders in the town in a clamp down on shoplifters, it was revealed today.

Officers claim some shops have become easy pickings for offenders and traders are unclear of their powers in tackling the issue.

They have organised a number of seminars with traders at the town's police station to inform them of their powers of arrest and detaining and searching suspects.

Constable Mick Sturland, of Market Drayton police, said: "Following a recent meeting with police, traders, town council and public, one of the points raised was that traders were ill-equipped to deal with shoplifters.

"It would be fair to say that at present thieves have the upper hand, treating some Market Drayton shops as an open house.

"I therefore created four seminars which would empower traders to take the initiative and address the imbalance.

"The seminars detail the powers that they have including powers of arrest, detaining suspects and what they can and cannot do in relation to searching.

"They also detail tips and advice on what to spot and the fact that their premises are private meaning they can demand anyone to leave without reason."

He added: "The feedback from the two seminars we have held already has been positive with most not knowing what they can do in law and being pleasantly surprised to learn that they have a lot of rights to deal with shoplifters."

Andy Brown, chairman of Market Drayton Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said: "Shoplifting has been a problem in the town in the past but last year I think it went down by a third because we became more vigilant."

Anyone who missed one of the seminars can attend a 'mop up' event planned for February 17 at 7pm.

E-mail michael.sturland@westmercia.pnn.police.uk or call 07792 774058.