Shopwatch success!

A scheme set up a year ago to crackdown on shoplifting in the town centre has proved a great success.

The Shopwatch scheme, which was relaunched in September 2023, sees businesses coming together to securely share information to help stop shoplifters before they get the chance to steal.

Members contact each other by radio or phone with information about potential shoplifters and posters are in businesses’ windows around the town to act as a deterrent.

More than 160 shops have signed up to the scheme in the last year and  thanks to the sharing of information, detection of shoplifting has risen by 14%.

A specialist police communications team has also been set up to deal with retail crimes which has led to reports of shoplifting being dealt with more quickly.

Insp Matthew Plumb from Durham Constabulary said: “Shopwatch has been really successful in Darlington and over the next few months plans are in place to roll the scheme out across the county. Work is also underway to use civil orders to target prolific offenders.

“We have been able to improve detection and crackdown on shoplifting by working together and identifying culprits quickly. The message is clear – this is not a victimless crime and we will act to stop it.”

Amanda Riley, cabinet member for stronger communities, said: “Shoplifting can damage businesses, especially our small independents, and can lead to an increase in prices for the rest of us.
 

“I am delighted that Shopwatch has been so successful in its first year.  By working together, and with the police, we can make sure the town centre continues to be a safe and pleasant place for everyone to visit.”

Picture shows: Uche  Ezekwueme, council’s systems and data analyst, PCSO Caygill, Nicola Gibson, supervisor for Sports Direct and Richard Garrett, counci’s community safety manager