Police are offering specialist training to retailers to combat the menace of shoplifters and credit card fraudsters who target their stores.

Letters have been sent out to 800 members of the City Centre Beat - which is a joint venture between Bradford South police and businesses - offering a free course on tackling retail crime.

The course will cover three main areas: civilian powers of arrest; how to spot credit card fraud; and how much force can be used when arresting a suspect.

The three one-hour evening sessions will be held at Bradford South police headquarters at the Tyrls in response to traders' concerns that retail crime was still a major problem in the city.

PC Michael Brooke, Bradford South police's crime prevention officer, said: "Unfortunately retailers will have to confront a person intent on stealing from their store.

"How they deal with that situation will differ depending on their level of confidence, experience and what, if any, training they have had.

"Quite often people are afraid to act because they do not know what powers they have but this course will help them to deal most effectively with a situation should it occur.

"It should also give staff the confidence to deal with the many issues they have to face on a day-to-day basis."

Mirko Maric, City Centre Beat chairman, said the incidents of shoplifting and credit card fraud had fallen compared to a few years ago but it was still a concern.

He said: "Initiatives like this prove that working on a united front with the police will help us tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

"But it is also to get the managers in the City Centre Beat talking with each other and the police. It is all part of an attempt to make people feel good about coming to Bradford."

The first session about the definition of theft and civilian powers of arrest takes place on Wednesday at 6pm. The course is open to all retailers in Bradford.

For more details call PC Brooke on (01274) 376439.