MAJOR supermarkets at Warrington have joined forces with the police in a bid to clampdown on shoplifters.
The move is part of the successful retail crime reduction campaign already operating in the town centre and at Birchwood Shopping Centre.
As part of the scheme, businesses work closely alongside police and partners to tackle retail crime, reduce anti-social behaviour and to reassure retailers and members of the public.
It also shares intelligence and information with retailers and business crime partnerships across the UK.
Business crime manager Dave Barlow said: “We are delighted that these stores have joined the scheme. We have helped to reduce retail crime significantly for all the Warrington Against Business Crime scheme members, and we intend to have the same impact at these stores.”
Sergeant Mark Spaven, of Warrington West Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: “We have been working closely with the stores to reduce retail crime but this new group will help us and the stores to be even more effective in preventing and detecting crime.
“We are committed to tackling retail crime and reducing anti-social behaviour around business premises.
“This new partnership between the police and the businesses will help us to provide a safe and secure environment for those who live, work and shop in the Warrington area.”
The Warrington Against Business Crime scheme was given national recognition in May when it secured the Safer Business Award for the first time.
The award, which is handed out by Action Against Business Crime, recognises that the scheme meets a nationally recognised standard for business crime partnerships.
The partnership has been assessed to ensure that it operates to a national standard and carries out all of its activities to the highest levels of data integrity.
It is hoped that the Warrington Against Business Crime scheme will continue to be extended throughout Warrington over the next two years.
