Shoplifters hunting easy pickings in Bingley were today warned to steer clear - or face the consequences.

Shopkeepers have joined forces with the police to create a Shopwatch scheme - following on from the success of the town's Pubwatch scheme.

Bingley police inspector David Drucquer is adamant shoplifters from out of town will not be tolerated. He said: "The aim of Shopwatch is to deter people from coming to Bingley to do their shoplifting, and if that is not successful then to arrest them and put them before a court.

"It is a known fact that shops and businesses lose money through pilfering, and this makes life harder for the business people of Bingley. It is our aim to try to prevent all shoplifting within Bingley centre.

"To assist the running of the Shopwatch, a ringround system will be arranged, so if suspects visit any shop within the area then all other shops and businesses will be made aware of their presence and their descriptions very quickly.

"Description forms will be made available to each member of the Shopwatch to assist in the identification of suspects and also signs will be prepared for each shop and business.

News of the scheme was welcomed by traders. Andrew Robertshaw, of Outer Limits, said: "Certainly we have had potential shoplifters and the problem doesn't go away when they leave the shop. They move to another one looking for easy pickings.

"They are usually teenage lads - we don't get grown-up shoplifters round here. In recent times it has increased. I have caught someone trying to nick something from a newsagents.

"Look at how the Pubwatch has worked. It has made it a pleasure to be here on a Friday night."

And Stephen Hemming, manager of Martin's newsagents in Myrtle Walk precinct, added: "I have signed up to it. I think it's a good idea."

Bingley Town centre manager David Dinsey added: "I believe this will be an excellent scheme and an effective deterrent to would-be shoplifters in Bingley.

"In 1994 the police with local licencees set up the Bingley Pubwatch scheme which has gone from strength to strength.

"I am confident that with the same determination the Bingley Shopwatch scheme will assist the traders greatly to reduce instances of shoplifting and I will certainly be at the first meeting to give the Shopwatch my full support."

The first meeting to launch the scheme is to be held on March 14 at the Ferrands pub at 5.30pm.

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