In Great Harwood in Lancashire, retailers are taking part in a new scheme to reduce shoplifting. Shop Watch will see neighbourhood police officers work with members of staff from stores across the town to reduce crime and deter offenders.
Signs will also be on display, highlighting the work of Shop Watch and to act as a warning to criminals that they are being watched. Pictures of known offenders will be given to retailers and regular meetings will take place between officers and staff to help reduce the risk of theft in stores.
Police Community Support Officer Helena Saile said: “Shoplifting, theft, robbery and other crimes can have a really detrimental effect on the local economy. Shop Watch is aimed at preventing incidents from happening and catching those responsible quickly when a crime does occur.
“Customers should feel safe when they are shopping and staff have the right to feel confident as they go about their work – Shop Watch will help achieve this.”
Meanwhile landlords and police are seeking to tackle drug taking in rural South Ribble pubs. Landlords voiced it as a priority at a ‘Pubwatch’ meeting in Longton attended by Lancashire Police.
Pubwatch is a forum made up of local publicans and officers and meets several times a year to discuss policing issues in licensed premises.
Police officers will now be visiting pubs in Longton, Much Hoole, Hutton and Walmer Bridge to check for drug usage and will also have ‘Flash’, a specially trained police dog, to help them with the task.
