| |
18th December
2002
Shoplifters are being targeted in a major new campaign being
piloted in Leeds City Centre.
West Yorkshire Police have joined forces with Thomson Local
and the city’s retailers to crackdown on shop theft
by creating Shoplifting Aware Zones.
Detective
Chief Inspector Alison Rose and Chris Hiles, Regional Manager
for Thomson Directories hold the Shoplifting Awareness Campaign
sticker at the launch in Leeds city centre.
Letters are being sent to all retailers
giving help and advice, including a ten-point plan to thwart
offenders. Special window stickers are also being produced and
distributed by Thomson Local to shops and stores so they can
promote the new zones.
It will send out a clear message to potential thieves that measures
have been taken in-store to stop theft and will also reassure
customers.
Detective Chief Inspector Alison Rose, Millgarth Police Crime
Manager, said: “This Christmas promises to
be an exciting and vibrant time for shoppers in Leeds. A number
of events such as the German Christmas Market will attract record
numbers of visitors giving a very welcome boost to retailers".
“Unfortunately shoppers also attract criminals
who prey on both customers and retailers. We have a number of
operations planned in the city in the run up to Christmas, including
high profile patrols - the Shoplifting Aware Campaign will be
a key part of those operations".
“Alert, vigilant staff can and will make a
real difference in the fight against retail crime. Reducing
opportunities for thieves to operate within the stores will
have a dramatic effect on the shopping experience in Leeds".
“We are determined to drive down crime in
the city and are delighted to work with our partners Thomson
Local and the Retail Crime Initiative in Leeds in the run up
to Christmas.”
Chris Hiles, Regional Manager for Thomson Directories, said:
"The heart of the local community is threatened
by this growth in shop theft. The process of making our shopping
centres safer and encouraging a thriving retail community is
important to us and we are pleased to be working with West Yorkshire
Police to combat this problem".
Elizabeth Minkin, Executive Councillor with responsibility for
Leeds City Centre, said: "The bustle of Christmas
shopping provides a perfect backdrop for shoplifters and pickpockets,
and all too often, the proceeds of these crimes fuel more violent
and drug-related criminal activity. Anything that makes Leeds
a safer place for shoppers is to be welcomed, and I am confident
that these shoplifting aware zones will prove to be an effective
deterrent."
Tony McVicar, Chairman of Leeds Retail Crime Initiative, said:
"We welcome this initiative and are delighted
to be involved in it to try and reduce shoplifting in Leeds."
For further information please contact
our Press office.
|
