A HIGH tech communication system designed to prevent Ilkley from becoming a soft touch for criminals has recorded a

significant success.

Shopkeepers sprung into action when a team of suspicious characters were spotted mingling with Christmas shoppers this week.

Sergeant Esther Hobbs, Ilkley's police boss, said: "We got a call from one shop to say they suspected they had a team of shoplifters in."

By the time police arrived the suspects had moved on but other shopkeepers in the scheme alerted the officers to their new

location, using their anti-crime radios.

Sgt Hobbs said: "We detained one man who had goods in his bag and he was later charged. Now he is on his way to court. We were able to deter the others and hopefully minimised the loss to the shopkeepers."

Around 18 Ilkley shops are now in the radio link scheme, with five others expressing an interest. Sgt Hobbs said she would like to encourage other traders in the area to join the scheme.

She said that gangs of shoplifters were operating in the area and shopkeepers in the Shoplink scheme were able to operate as the eyes and ears of the police.

And just a few more members of the scheme would give Ilkley the cover it needed to prevent the incursion of criminals in search of rich pickings, especially at busy times like the run up to Christmas.

All participating traders are given a radio which they can use to warn others of suspected shoplifters in the area.

Other towns, including Otley and Keighley have established their own similar schemes, leading to concerns that thieves would be driven into areas which have not taken extra precautions.

There are plans to reinforce the deterrent message with posters advertising the radio link project and police officers will also

distribute pictures of known criminals for the use of traders in the scheme.

The cost of the scheme is around £250 per radio, but Sergeant Hobbs stressed it was a one-off cost and the traders would own the set.

And traders in the Business Watch scheme, costing £10-a-year membership fee, will have their annual licence paid.

Officers are also warning Ilkley shoppers to be on their guard against thieves who target cars with presents in them.

Peter Walker, project manager of the police community safety department, said: "We would urge people to be extra vigilant, especially in relation to their vehicles.

"Don't leave valuables on view. It only takes a few seconds for a thief to break in and swipe something.

"Be careful also when filling your boot with presents and leaving them as you go off to do more shopping. Look around - you may be being watched and you could be turning your vehicle into a target for thieves.

"Being a victim of car crime can be very traumatic at any time of the year, but it can add extra heartache at Christmas, especially when presents you have bought for loved ones and friends, suddenly become presents for criminals."