Retailers in New market are fighting a spate of thefts at their stores with the help of an app launched by the Newmarket BID organisation.
The ShopSafe app is used to share information about shoplifters, bag snatchers, fraudsters and other anti-social behavior in the city and is closely monitored by city ambassador Russell Bradnam, who is also licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and whose efforts respond According to the alerts, the stolen goods were returned to the stores and the thieves were arrested.
Store owners are also connected by radio so they can alert each other when shoplifters are active.
"It's completely free and very easy to use," Russell said.
“Anyone who has it installed on their phone can check to see if there has been any problem they should be aware of and see photographs and descriptions of people believed to be involved in it.
"They can also post anything they think other members need to know and share it immediately with all of them."
The content of the application is linked to the city's CCTV system and can be viewed by security personnel at the Guineas Center. Suffolk Police are also aware of this.
Natalie Robinson, manager of Love Newmarket BID, said: “We have noticed a clear increase in thefts from businesses in the town and abuse towards their staff in recent months, which will not be tolerated.
“The progress Russell has made involving businesses using the Shopsafe app and radios, and his role in communicating correct crime reporting lines, should be commended.
“The safety of our city staff is incredibly important to me and I am currently looking at several plans that should contribute to that.
“We will also continue to work closely with the police to ensure they are fully aware of any challenges our businesses face, as well as holding a monthly walk around the city with them to engage with our store owners and staff.”
“Our staff must feel safe coming to work every day in a retail environment. When they don’t, it has an impact both on them personally and on the success of the business as a whole.”
Over the past month, the app has highlighted 14 cases of theft or attempted theft, most recently on Sunday, when Iceland and WH Smith were targeted by a pair of scammers who stole cash.
The same day, a security camera captured a man stealing champagne from Majestic Wine.
On Tuesday, January 2, a woman wearing a long gray puffa-style coat and dyed pink hair was removing food and alcohol from the shelves of the Marks and Spencer store in the BP garage on Bury Road.
The same woman is believed to have been responsible for another theft of food at the store last month.
All business owners who are targeted by burglars are urged to report incidents to police.
Russell can be contacted via the Newmarket BID office at Rookery House or 07827853004 to obtain the application.
