A crime prevention initiative is being relaunched to tackle shoplifting and anti-social behaviour in North Shields town centre.
The Shop Watch scheme brings together local businesses, North Tyneside Council, and Northumbria Police, in a joint effort to make the area safer and more welcoming for shoppers and businesses.
Participating businesses will be able to share real-time information about incidents and suspicious activity via the Shop Watch radio network, and other forms of communication, enabling partners to respond quickly and prevent crime before it escalates.
Businesses will also benefit from direct links to the Council and Police, while the scheme supports ongoing efforts to revitalise the town centre.
Shop Watch member and Centre Manager at the Beacon Centre, Andy Bradley said: "Shop Watch is about creating a safer, more welcoming environment for everyone who visits North Shields. By working together with local businesses, the Police, and the Council, we can respond quickly to issues and prevent crime before it happens."
Councillor Sandra Graham, Cabinet Member responsible for Community Safety and the Climate Emergency, said: "We want North Shields town centre to be a place where people feel safe and welcome, and where local businesses and the wider local economy can grow. Shop Watch shows how working together—businesses, the police, and the council—can make a real difference to safety, community confidence, and the town’s future. We’re proud to be part of the initiative.”
Inspector Michael Hood, of Northumbria Police’s North Tyneside Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), said: “Shoplifting is never acceptable – no matter what the value of items stolen.
“We will continue to do everything we can to tackle the issue in the community to help ensure North Shields remains a safe place for all.
“The Shop Watch scheme is an extremely useful tool, which brings together our partners to share information and the best ways to deal with any retail crime-related problems which arise in North Shields.
“Those intent on stealing from shops should be aware that we have resources dedicated to identifying those responsible for these types of crimes and our teams will do their utmost to get you charged and put before a court to face justice.”
Local businesses interested in joining the scheme can contact Andy Bradley at: andrew.bradley@thebeaconcentre.co.uk