Almost 70 shops have joined forces to combat crime by launching a Shop Watch scheme.
Businesses in Culcheth have agreed to work together to help reduce crime and make shopping in the area a more pleasant experience for everyone.
Police Community Support Officer Steve Dodd has co-ordinated the scheme after approaching every business in the area and asking them to sign up.
The shops share information about crime and incidents of anti-social behaviour. Staff have agreed to spread the word if they see anyone behaving suspiciously – or if known shoplifters or pickpockets are spotted in the area.
Shopkeepers have a list of contact numbers for other shops in the area so that information can be shared. They also have contact numbers for their local officers, who will continue to regularly visit all the shops in the area.
PCSO Dodd said: “This is an excellent example of partnership working between police and local shopkeepers. Shop Watch works in a similar way to Home Watch – shopkeepers look out for each other and feed valuable information between themselves and local officers.
“Information police receive from the community is vital in helping us identify and target problems and that is why the data gathered as part of the Shop Watch scheme is so important.
“The scheme provides valuable reassurance for shoppers and sends out a clear message that criminal and anti-social behaviour is not acceptable and will not be tolerated in the Culcheth area.”
So far 63 businesses, ranging from national stores to local family run businesses have signed up for the scheme.
All have been provided with special stickers, which they will display in their windows. The stickers act as a visible deterrent warning against shoplifting and anti-social behaviour and let shoppers know that the premises are safe and friendly.
PCSO Dodd added: “It is important to remember that the Shop Watch scheme is not designed to replace a call to the police if staff see someone actually committing a crime – but it gives shopkeepers a warning that trouble could be on the way and that they should keep an eye open.”
Ross Tutton, manager of the local Sainsbury store, said: “This is an excellent idea that brings the local business community together working in partnership with the local policing team.”
For more information on the Culcheth Shop Watch scheme call PCSO Dodd on 0845 458 6390.
Traders set up shop watch scheme
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
