Shopwatch Scores Major Success

Leek's Shopwatch scheme scored a major success last week as a suspected shoplifter was arrested after taking booze from the Co-op store on Portland Street, Leek.

Just before lunchtime on Monday, March 7, the Co-op reported a shoplifter who bolted with bottles and other goods.Using the Shopwatch radio, a Motorola GP340 handheld radio, the Co-op alerted the Police, gave out a full description of the offenders and car registration and two men were stopped in Cheddleton and in custody within 15 minutes on the incident.Leek Police inspector Amanda Davies praised the actions of PC Louise Hancock who arrested the men in connection with the thefts.

Town Centre Co-ordinator Mike Cozens said the incident was a victory for the shopwatch scheme."At the moment there are 23 retailers engaged in the scheme. The system has a Motorola Eurobase and 4 stack aerial in the town centre which gives coverage 2 to 3 miles outside the town boundary."