RETAILERS in York are joining forces to tackle crime as shoplifting figures for the city rise in 2014.

Following an increase in shoplifting and pickpocketing, York Business Against Crime (YBAC) is calling on shop keepers to join the organisation.

The recruitment drive comes as YBAC appoints Coppergate Shopping Centre manager Sue Anderson-Brown as its new chairman.

Mrs Anderson-Brown said figures given to her for the city centre show shoplifting is up 21.9 per cent from 2013, with 590 arrests, while theft from persons is up 12 per cent with 141 known incidents.

Wider York figures from North Yorkshire Police reveal shoplifting figures for 2014 are up 10 per cent from the previous year to 1,640 incidents, and theft from persons increased six per cent.

Mrs Anderson-Brown said: "These increasing figures show why we need to be fighting back, especially over busy Christmas and New Year periods, but also year round.

"However at the same time as showing an increase in the number of incidents, they also show increasing detection rates.

"York has seen a lot of professional shoplifting gangs coming into the city. It's about how we fight back by being aware, being vigilant and sharing intelligence.

"Working together we can make it known that York has a zero tolerance to crime.

"This will deter these criminals and help all businesses in the city as the cost of vandalism and stock loss will be significantly reduced."

YBAC is a public private partnership of city stakeholders. Retailers pay weekly into YBAC and receive a radio linked with other businesses and the police as well as local intelligence.

This includes a list with photographs of all of people known to the police in the area and those with restraining orders.

Chief Inspector Charlotte Bloxham, of York Safer Neighbourhood Command, said: "Tackling shoplifting and anti-social behaviour in York city centre remains a priority and it is important that the police and local businesses work together to tackle the issue.

"Many retailers are already signed up to the York Business Against Crime initiative which helps to identify offenders and warn other businesses that criminals are operating in the area.

"I would urge as many retailers as possible to get involved in the scheme, as the more people we have fighting back against crime in the city centre the better chance we have of putting a stop to it."