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24th March 2003
A Shoplifting Awareness Campaign supported
by West Yorkshire Police, Thomson Local and the city’s
retailers is now being extended into Otley to combat increasing
shop theft.
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This major new campaign was launched in
Leeds and Bradford in December, and following a positive response
in these city centres, Otley’s Community Policing Team
together with Otley Town Watch have pushed to have the campaign
extended.
Letters are being sent to all Otley 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 that their safety and security are of prime importance.
PC Heidi Beardsmore, Community Policing Team,Otley , said:
“Otley is an historic small market town situated between
Leeds, Bradford and Harrogate. Unfortunately, we have seen an
increase in shoplifting in the town due to displacement. Shoplifters
are travelling out of Leeds and Bradford due to increased security
in the towns and widespread CCTV. Retailers need to be educated
on theft prevention, so this Shoplifting Campaign will be well
received”.
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".
For further information please contact
our Press office.
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