Launch of Shopwatch in Gloucester
24 September 2008
Gloucester Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) are launching a shopwatch scheme in the city on Wednesday October 1 that will make Gloucester a safe and friendly environment for everyone by tackling shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.
The idea is that if an offender is caught shoplifting or behaving in an anti-social way in one of the participating shops in the city then they will be banned not only from that shop but also from all of the other participating shops of which there are already 48.
This new system will work alongside the current Radio Link system that operates within the city centre and will provide retailers with access to a secure website containing images of offenders.
This will allow members of Shopwatch to share all of their information on offenders and inform other members if they spot a known offender in the city centre. This will hopefully reduce shoplifting in the city by stopping known offenders from having the opportunity to commit further offences.
Many offenders begin by shoplifting and this can then develop into more serious crime, hopefully by taking positive action we can prevent re-offending and their involvement in other criminal offences.
The Youth Offending Service and Gloucestershire Drug and Alcohol Service are participating in the scheme so that offenders can be offered support not just given punishment.
There will also be an option to apply for an Anti Social Behaviour Order for the offender, which would mean that if they continued to behave in an anti-social manner and breach their ASBO, they risk the possibility of appearing before a court and receiving further penalties.
Jason Merritt, Operations Manager Kings 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."
Superintendent Jerry Foster-Turner from Gloucestershire Constabulary said: “The introduction of Shopwatch in the city centre will help to reduce thefts and unacceptable behaviour. Together with Pubwatch, which targets the night time economy, I believe it will improve the whole experience of coming to Gloucester day and night.
“We’re delighted with this initiative which is another great example of everyone working together to make our city safer. We may see it rolled out across Gloucestershire in the future, making it clear that theft and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated anywhere in the county. We will deal positively with anyone whose behaviour requires it.”
Cllr Paul James, Leader of Gloucester City Council said: "Shopwatch is a true partnership initiative, with the public and private sectors working together to tackle crime and make Gloucester an attractive place to shop and do business."
Andy Ray, Operations Manager for Gloucestershire Youth Offending Service, said: "The Youth Offending Service looks forward to developing its partnership with all those involved in the Shopwatch Scheme.
“This scheme is an exciting development in ensuring that those who commit shoplifting offences are dealt with appropriately and proportionately. This partnership will allow the Youth Offending Service to work with our partners to ensure the effect of young peoples' offending is reduced as much as possible by focusing not only on the young person's needs but also on the needs of the retailers. "
Carla Wales, Shopwatch Coordinator, said: "I am delighted to have been appointed to implement Shopwatch within Gloucester city centre. This new system will help to reduce offending, crime and anti social behaviour and stock losses for retailers.
“I can't wait to see the benefits that this system will bring to Gloucester, creating a safe and friendly environment for all."
Adrian Foster, Chief Crown Prosecutor said: “The Crown Prosecution Service is committed to making our community safer and we are delighted to support the Shopwatch scheme.
“In areas where this type of scheme has been put in place, there has been an increase in the detection and prosecution of a whole range of offences, including theft, damage and assaults. These offences affect everyone in Gloucestershire, through higher prices and a loss in confidence and this scheme will have a real impact on reducing crime and the fear of crime.”