Traders to swap photos of crooks (From York Press)

Traders to swap photos of crooks

7:03pm Wednesday 4th June 2008 in

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MUGSHOTS of pilferers are to be passed around by retailers in a bid to beat the thieves who cost stores colossal losses each year.

The photographs will be part of a database of information launched at Monks Cross Shopping Park in a hard-hitting campaign which will see shopkeepers fight back against the thieves, who "push the prices up for other shoppers".

The shopping park, North Yorkshire Police and the Huntington and New Earswick Safer Neighbourhood Team will join forces to form Monks Cross Against Retail Crime (MARC) - a crime-busting initiative to deter shoplifting, burglary, car crime, robbery, and assault or threats made to staff and shoppers at the outlet.

Traders and security staff will exchange photographs and files of information on serious and repeat offenders, provided by police, so they can be spotted on shop-floors and on CCTV cameras at the centre, enabling shopkeepers to accurately pinpoint those criminals who cause havoc in the retail community with their thievery.

The move means that known shoplifters will be asked to leave the retail park before they get the chance to enter a particular store and steal.

The scheme is similar to Retailers Against Crime in York (RACY), a partnership between North Yorkshire Police, City of York Council, York Crime Prevention Panel and local retailers.

The city-wide initiative was launched ten years ago, aimed at targeting gangs of thieves who go shoplifting to earn a living.

Katherine Sharp, centre manager at Monks Cross shopping park, said: "Monks Cross Against Retail Crime is an initiative to reduce acquisitive and violent crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour against businesses, their premises, staff and customers. We aim to put a stop to theft, burglary, car crime, robbery, assault, threats, intimidation and abuse at Monks Cross.

"Regular meetings will be held between MARC and the police to further share information and discuss current issues including current crime trends and the favoured method of committing crime.

"It is hoped that this new initiative will reduce crime even further at Monks Cross Shopping Park ensuring it remains a pleasant and safe place to shop."

PC Lailah Nijaila, Safer Neighbourhood officer for the Huntington and New Earswick ward, said: "The Huntington and New Earswick Safer Neighbourhood Team is looking forward to continuing the joint partnership formed with Monks Cross, working together to tackle and reduce theft and fraud related offences.

"It is a positive step forward to identify such offenders and bring them to justice robustly."