SHOPLIFTERS beware: a new pilot scheme designed to crack down on the criminals was launched on Monday (May 17). The Shop Watch scheme encourages retailers and police to work together to target shoplifters in Huntingdon – sharing more information about off

SHOPLIFTERS beware: a new pilot scheme designed to crack down on the criminals was launched on Monday (May 17).

The Shop Watch scheme encourages retailers and police to work together to target shoplifters in Huntingdon - sharing more information about offenders and how to deal with them.

Cambridgeshire officers will also work with members of Huntingdonshire Business Against Crime to help retailers report incidents quickly and easily.

As part of the scheme business owners will be given a retail crime pack which tells staff how to deal with shoplifters and includes a section for officers containing all the necessary forms needed to report the crime - it means officers will not need to return to a police station to collect them.

According to police, reported shoplifting offences across Cambridgeshire increased from 3,573 offences in 2007/08 to 4,282 in 2009/10.

Shirley Simpson, force crime reduction manager, said: "It is hoped that better collaboration between Cambridgeshire police and retailers will lead to more offenders being brought to justice."

INFORMATION: To find out more phone community safety officer Julie Hanrahan or Shirley Simpson on 0345 4564564. Anyone with information regarding shoplifting offences should phone police on the same number.