Shop link hailed success as thief caught

A radio link scheme to crackdown on shop crime across Willenhall has been hailed a success after helping to catch one thief red-handed.

A dozen businesses and four pubs in the town have signed up to the initiative which allows staff to talk to each other and police.

More people are being encouraged to sign up to the radio link scheme which is run by Safer Walsall Borough Partnership with support from Walsall Council and the police. One shoplifter, who targeted stores in Willenhall, was caught red-handed thanks to quick-thinking traders who worked together to catch the culprit.

Businesses are issued with a radio so that they can contact each other and alert their colleagues if they spy anyone acting suspiciously.

The initiative reassures staff and shoppers by making them safer. Traders in Darlaston have signed up and Pelsall traders have expressed an interest too. Sgt George Adamson, of Willenhall Police Station, said: "The system is proving very successful from both a prevention of crime point of view and in providing reassurance to the public.

"In one recent incident a man was seen trying to steal items from Somerfield.

"He then went into Boots where he stole perfume. As staff had alerted their colleagues about this particular individual, complete with a description, police were able to arrest him just around the corner from his crime. He has since been jailed. Pubs have also joined the scheme and the sharing of information in this way is proving an effective deterrent."

Councillor Adrian Andrew, cabinet member for regeneration, said: "Effective partnerships such as the Radio Link Scheme help to ensure shops remain safe environments for both staff and shoppers.

"We are also looking into ways of expanding the scheme, perhaps with the involvement of park rangers."