Businesses that want to find out more about ‘Shop Watch’ in East Cambridgeshire and collect a free members’ pack are invited to a special event tomorrow (Tuesday, December 5). 

‘Shop Watch’ is a scheme similar to Neighbourhood Watch. Running via WhatsApp, it allows businesses to effectively communicate with each other to help tackle shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. 

To date, around 90 retailers have signed up to the scheme in Ely and 17 are members of the Littleport initiative. There are hopes of setting up a group in Soham too. 

Steve from Steve’s Shack Shop in Ely, said: “I would recommend all shops consider joining 'Shop Watch'. By working together and notifying others it is easy to crack down on shoplifters and reduce theft, particularly as we are now approaching the busy festive season.  

“Simply by being more aware and prepared can also help to protect staff, especially if someone is displaying abusive or threatening behaviour.” 

The 'Shop Watch' launch is being organised by East Cambridgeshire Community Safey Partnership (CSP) which brings together representatives from the police, Federation of Small Businesses and East Cambridgeshire District Council, as well as other organisations working together to protect the local community from crime and help people feel safe. 

Chair of the CSP, Lis Every, said: “We want to extend a warm welcome to all businesses that would like to find out more about the 'Shop Watch' scheme.  

“Representative from the CSP, the East Cambs Neighbourhood Policing Team and the Federation of Small Businesses will be at the launch on Tuesday, December 5 at East Cambridgeshire District Council. 

“They’ll be able to find out more about the scheme over a cup of tea or coffee, sign up to the What’sApp and collect a free 'Shop Watch' pack.  

“This contains a poster, window sticker and a safer business, safer streets pack, which has kindly funded by the police and crime commissioners.” 

Darryl Preston, Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I am pleased to be able to fund this initiative – tackling crime and anti-social behaviour is a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan. 

“'Shop Watch' is a fantastic way to bring local businesses together to share information which will help protect local communities from crime.  I would urge all #East Cambs businesses to sign up to the scheme to help the police tackle those responsible.” 

Retailers are invited to sign up for one of two sessions which run between 11am - 12pm and 2pm - 3pm. 
 
Book here via Event Bright: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/759674415627?aff=oddtdtcreator