CREWS CONTROL: PCSO officers Donnay Kay(left) and Rhona Stevens with some of the youngsters taking part in the bike coding and community fun day as part of CREW.
ANYONE who is thinking of going on a shoplifting spree in Eastleigh should think again.
That is the strong warning as police and traders join forces to get tough with light fingered shoppers.
The crackdown is being spearheaded by the town's successful Shopwatch scheme. Since the beginning of the year 14 shoplifters have been banned from stores belonging to the shop watchdog initiative.
Bans range from three to six months but for the most prolific offenders it can be as much as a year.
Eastleigh District Crime Prevention Officer Barbara White said: "If you come to Eastleigh to try and shoplift then you will not get away with it. That is the message that we want to get across."
Twenty-six stores in the town centre belong to Shopwatch. It works through a two-way radio network where traders can be immediately on the hotline to all other Shopwatch stores and the CCTV control room. Police Community Support Officers patrolling the shopping centre also carry a radio. This crime busting system has led to a number of offenders being swiftly detained by police.
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PC Heather Turton said: "Since the introduction of the Safer Neighbourhoods team in Eastleigh we have worked with the local council to re-launch the Shopwatch scheme that operates in the town.
"The intention is to detect crime, reduce anti-social behaviour, identify and apprehend offenders and promote public reassurance."
Meanwhile shop staff have been taking part in a conflict training session, staged by Hampshire Constabulary's Public Order Unit, to help them deal with troublesome customers.
Barbara said it was aimed at helping shop staff understand the issues which might arise from suspicious customers.
She added: "We also highlight simple skills and basic advice to deal with suspected shoplifters and those acting in an antisocial manner.
This covered legal issues and the safe way of restraining a person who might be causing trouble and had to be led off the premises.
The training was also aimed at giving retailers the confidence to challenge offending behaviour.
Posted by: The Star Chamber on 3:41pm Thu 13 Mar 08
"Meanwhile shop staff have been taking part in a conflict training session, staged by Hampshire Constabulary's Public Order Unit, to help them deal with troublesome customers."
Which is I were in charge would include how to use that firearm stored just under the counter. Shoot the rats.
"Meanwhile shop staff have been taking part in a conflict training session, staged by Hampshire Constabulary's Public Order Unit, to help them deal with troublesome customers."
Which is I were in charge would include how to use that firearm stored just under the counter. Shoot the rats.
Posted by: Hants, Ocean Village on 7:40pm Thu 13 Mar 08
From past experience in Retail Management this kind of scheme can work.
Yes it does move them onto another area, but then it's down to that 'new' area to do the same.
Eventually they can't shop anywhere. So hopefully they'll starve and do us all a favour!
The biggest problem is Tesco/Asda. They seriously need to improve there security. I witnessed someone stealing a video/dvd combi, but when I reported it to staff they said, I can't do anything as I never saw them pick it up. Um hello the alarms are going off?????
If we're going to beat these shoplifters we ALL have to stick together. If Tesco/Asda allow it to happen, then that just encourages confidence in the shoplifter.
Another example was in Asda in town, a tramp goes in there daily and help himself to the cakes and fruit. Again I pointed this out to the staff, only to get a reply 'ahhhh he's probably hungry'.
And we wonder why people shoplift, it's almost tempting for me to do it, but I would be to embarassed!
From past experience in Retail Management this kind of scheme can work.
Yes it does move them onto another area, but then it's down to that 'new' area to do the same.
Eventually they can't shop anywhere. So hopefully they'll starve and do us all a favour!
The biggest problem is Tesco/Asda. They seriously need to improve there security. I witnessed someone stealing a video/dvd combi, but when I reported it to staff they said, I can't do anything as I never saw them pick it up. Um hello the alarms are going off?????
If we're going to beat these shoplifters we ALL have to stick together. If Tesco/Asda allow it to happen, then that just encourages confidence in the shoplifter.
Another example was in Asda in town, a tramp goes in there daily and help himself to the cakes and fruit. Again I pointed this out to the staff, only to get a reply 'ahhhh he's probably hungry'.
And we wonder why people shoplift, it's almost tempting for me to do it, but I would be to embarassed!
Posted by: every little helps on 10:21am Fri 14 Mar 08
Encourage the little muppets to half inch carriers bags from tesco. That way with any luck they're end up with them over their empty little heads. Sorted
Encourage the little muppets to half inch carriers bags from tesco. That way with any luck they're end up with them over their empty little heads. Sorted
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