May 22, 2013 10.31 am This story is over 129 months old

Lincoln Shopwatch scheme bid to reduce shoplifting

Shopwatch: Lincoln BIG is introducing a new scheme which aims to reduce shop-related crime and abusive behaviour toward shop staff in the city.

Lincoln BIG is introducing a new scheme which aims to reduce shop-related crime and abusive behaviour toward shop staff in the city.

Called Shopwatch, the scheme will use banning notices and exclusion orders for persistent shoplifters and an app to report incidents between members.

The scheme is a partnership between Lincoln BIG Security Group, Lincolnshire Police and City of Lincoln Council’s Public Protection and Anti-Social Behaviour team.

Security Group Co-ordinator Yvette Hall said: “The primary objective of Shopwatch is to reduce crime in and around retail businesses and at the same time to notify other businesses of potential problems.

“It aims to reduce offences in and around retail businesses through the use of banning notices and exclusion orders for individuals who steal or try to steal from businesses or who are rude or abusive to staff.

“All of these measures, plus being excluded from over 200 stores will, we believe, ensure that persistent offenders, many of whom are stealing regularly to support a drugs habit, don’t regard shop theft as a soft option to support their criminal lifestyles.”

“The Lincoln BIG Security Group App will assist with the communication of incidents and members will be able to report incidents on the spot and have instant access from mobile devices to a website, where they can see all the information which has been collated in a weekly report.”

The Shopwatch scheme will be officially launched in Lincoln on Friday, May 24.