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."

Cresta Critical Radio Communications

Riding the famous Cresta Run in St Moritz is not where you would expect to find critical radio communications.

When you wait your turn to be called to the start box over the tannoy you have time to think about of speeds reaching 70 to 80 mph down an ice run on a skeleton toboggan head first 9 inches above the ice!Your name is called, you haul your 37kg toboggan to the area marked with a blue line and a wooden barrier in front.

Over the Motorola radio the arbeiter will call your name to Tower. The man before has disappeared down the run, You put your toboggan down and wait for a call over the radio of, "Run clear". Immediately you will hear a bell ding, the arbeiter lifts the barrier and you are ready to launch yourself down the run towards Shuttlecock corner and the end some 1,200 yards away.

Part 2 coming soon....