Shopkeepers urged to join anti-crime scheme

Sean Keywood Thursday, January 10, 2013
8:11 AM

Exmouth traders are being encouraged to find out more about a crime prevention scheme in the town.

The police, Exmouth Town Team and Exmouth Town Council are teaming up to boost Shopwatch - a system whereby shopkeepers have a two-way radio that they can use to quickly alert other nearby traders and the police of any problem that may have arisen in or near their premises, for example theft, fraud, violence or recognising known criminals are in the area.

Police say more traders need to join to ensure the system remains effective. The more traders are involved, the harder it is for criminals to operate and the quicker the police can respond.

Exmouth Town Council has pledged £500 to help offset the cost of the radios to encourage more shops to join, and the police and Exmouth Town Team are hosting a meeting at the Town Hall on January 30 at 6pm for traders to find out more about how the system operates and how they can join.