PERSISTENT shoplifters in Southampton are beginning to get the message to stay clear of a chain of High Street stores which has invested in a radio warning link.

The Shopwatch scheme involving 28 traders in Shirley where information on suspicious customers is shared has seen shop crime in the area fall away dramatically since its introduction just over a year ago.

Now the members of the scheme are appealing for anyone who hasn't joined up to consider becoming members.

Pc Laurie Parsonage, area beat officer for Shirley High Street, has been involved since its inception.

He said: "Basically what happens is every shop has the chance to buy a radio handset through which they can receive and transmit information.

"The shops look after each other by describing suspicious characters over the radio. That way everybody who has a radio can hear what is happening in other shops.

"Effectively they can follow the course of a suspect from shop to shop and everyone is forewarned.

"Not only that but if there is a major incident they can contact me directly at the police station."

The £300 handsets provided by Totton-based radio communications specialists Capcom have already been used in the centre of the city and elsewhere in Hampshire with great success.

Under the scheme, traders who don't want to go to the expense of buying a handset can still sign up for £10 and are provided with files on certain known criminals.

Pc Parsonage said: "It has been a success, in fact it's become an informal traders' association, but it is still open for anyone else to join."

Nicola Aveyard, supervisor at the Shirley branch of Boots the Chemist, said: "Before the scheme was launched we had a spate of thefts. Shelves were just wiped out.

"Because we have a lot of female staff it gives a sense of security knowing that there are other shops nearby who will come to our aid if we have a problem. It's made us more confident.

"It has also created a real sense of unity in the High Street and the shoplifters definitely know it works because they are moving to other areas."

Any traders wishing to find out more about the scheme can contact Pc Parsonage at Shirley Police Station on 01703 335444.

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