News Release
Shopwatch wins award
Dated: 08 Nov 2011
A scheme that aims to cut retail crime in Sunderland has been recognised for its excellent work.
On Wednesday (November 2), Sunderland Shopwatch was awarded for its outstanding performance by the Association of Shopwatch Partnerships and Retailers Against Crime North East.
The scheme also won the award for best shopwatch contribution in the Northumbria area.
The Association of Shopwatch Partnerships and Retailers Against Crime North East are made up of all large retailers in the north east, from Northumberland to York. The awards attract nominations from all three of the region’s forces.
PCs Steve Stringer and Gill Calvert received the award on behalf of the Sunderland scheme in recognition by its members of their hard work and contribution to making it a success.
Sunderland Central Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector, Neal Craig, said: “This is the second year running Sunderland Shopwatch has won an award and it’s a credit to everyone involved that their work is being recognised.
“This is a great example of how effective working in partnership with other agencies and organisations is in making the city even safer and we will continue to offer the scheme our full support.”
"It is a great credit to everyone involved in the scheme that they have been recognised for the hardwork and commitment they put in to make it a success and the important role working together plays in helping reduce crime and disorder and we will continue to offer it our full support."
Shopwatch was first introduced in the city in 1996 and aims to see retailers and police work together to reduce crime in shops, so far around 82 shops in the city centre are part of the scheme.
Earlier this year, two prolific shoplifters were given exclusion orders by Newcastle Crown Court banning them from stores in the scheme. The order is thought to be the first in Wearside.
The scheme currently covers the city centre, however, there are plans to extend it to cover Pallion Retail Park.
Insp Craig added: “We’d urge as many stores as possible to get involved in the scheme.”