Sanderson Arcade beadle Glen Mason, manager Debbie Anderson, and community support officers Emma Gray and Paul Moorhead

SHOP owners in Morpeth are better able to tackle shoplifting after a training session to help them identify crooks.

Retailers Against Crime North East ran the sessions in the town to give business owners a better understanding of the type of criminals they might come up against, and the techniques they use.

The initiative runs alongside the established Shopwatch scheme, which allows the policing team and local businesses to share information about shoplifters and thieves to stop crimes from happening.

More than 30 businesses in the town centre have already signed up to Shopwatch and several receive regular updates from Retailers Against Crime North East as well as sharing information about crime and suspicious activity.

Sanderson Arcade shopping centre has taken full advantage of the scheme since it was opened in November 2009. The arcade has 27 retail stores and the Shopwatch radio provides staff with an instant communication link to other retailers and neighbourhood officers.

Sarah Dougherty, regional operations manager for Retailers Against Crime North East, said: “We have recently delivered two training sessions to retailers in Morpeth town centre in association with Sanderson Arcade. Those who attended are now significantly more aware of the different techniques and types of offenders who pose a threat. I have no doubt that Morpeth is now a hard target for criminals involved in retail crime.”

Debbie Anderson, manager of Sanderson Arcade, said: “I am delighted with the way the Shopwatch scheme is working and the support we receive from the community support officers in Morpeth. The Retailers Against Crime training was a great opportunity to network with other users of Shopwatch.”

Retailers in Morpeth town centre who would like more information on the scheme, or are interested in joining Shopwatch should contact the local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 03456 043 043 ext 69191.

Pictured: Sanderson Arcade beadle Glen Mason, manager Debbie Anderson, and community support officers Emma Gray and Paul Moorhead