Miles Jermy SHOPLIFTERS are being shown the 'red card' with the launch of a coastal crime watch scheme.Traders and police officers joined forces in Gorleston this week to showcase the scheme targeting offenders.

Miles Jermy

SHOPLIFTERS are being shown the 'red card' with the launch of a coastal crime watch scheme.

Traders and police officers joined forces in Gorleston this week to showcase the scheme targeting offenders.

It enables retailers to access an online rogues' gallery of individuals banned from entering shops in the expanded exclusion order area.

After proving a success in Gorleston town centre and the Magdalen estate it is being rolled out in Bradwell, Belton, Burgh Castle, Fritton, Hopton and St Olaves.

The setting up of the coastal crime watch has been led by PC Jason Howell, who helped bring CCTV to Gorleston High Street three years ago.

The surveillance cameras have been credited with significantly cutting crime on the busy shopping hub.

The crime watch will be administered by the company set up to mange the CCTV system.

PC Howell, who is a member of Gorleston Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Offenders will be excluded from all stores taking part in the banning scheme. Red cards won't just be shown to shoplifters, but anyone who abuses or assaults retail staff.

“It replaces the old link radio system and is a much better way of sharing information instantly on the internet or mobile phone. I want the site to be something that is lively and interesting to view with updates on crime and anti-social behaviour.

“The scheme will be the only way all our criminal intelligence, photography and security information will be shared between retailers.”

Anyone interested in joining the volunteers administering the CCTV system should call PC Howell on 01493 333201.