New Shopwatch Scheme Targets Shoplifters In Gloucester
8 October 2008
The first few days of a Shopwatch scheme launched by Gloucester Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) has already resulted in nine arrests.
Since its launch on Wednesday October 1 police, with the help of partner agencies and the 48 shops signed up to the scheme, have carried out 15 stop-and-searches in the city centre.
As a consequence, nine people have been arrested in connection with 17 offences involving shoplifting, theft, drugs and firearms.
Officers also seized quantities of drugs, cash and a single imitation firearm.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Atkinson, of Gloucester police, said: “We are pleased this initiative has had such a big impact in such a short space of time, and that Gloucester city centre will be a safer place as a result.
“These results were only achievable through the close working relationships we have with our partners in the CDRP, and especially with the shops that have signed up to Shopwatch.”
The CDRP’s Shopwatch scheme aims to drastically reduce shoplifting in Gloucester city centre by banning offenders caught stealing or acting in an anti-social manner.
Any offender caught stealing from a shop participating in Shopwatch is banned from all 48 shops in the scheme for a period of six months.
The initiative, which operates alongside the existing Radio Link system, provides retailers with access to a secure website containing images of offenders.
Shopwatch members can use the website to share information on offenders and inform other members if they spot a known offender in the city.
Jason Merritt, Operations Manager Kings of Walk Shopping Centre and Chair of Shopwatch, said: "I have worked within the City for many years now and have been involved with several schemes, all aimed at reducing shoplifting and antisocial behaviour.
“Gloucester Shopwatch brings this to a new level. Partnering retail outlets with Gloucestershire Constabulary, the City Council, Crown Prosecution Service and the Youth Offending Service to name but a few, we aim to make coming to this city a memorable visit for all the right reasons.
“We hope that in the future, this initiative will spread throughout Gloucestershire and make everyone of us proud to live here."