Shop workers help with arrest of shoplifting suspect in Melton
Police and traders worked together to apprehend a suspected thief in Melton Mowbray town centre.
More than 100 business owners and employees are connected by radio to alert each other and police officers when incidents of anti-social behaviour are taking place.
And, on Tuesday, their collaborative efforts led to the arrest of a man who was linked to a shop theft.
Melton Police posted on their Facebook page: “Whilst patrolling the town centre, we were alerted via the SMART retail radio to a shop theft that had just taken place.
"Staff reported that a male had entered the store, taken several bottles of wine, and left without making payment.
“We were close by at the time and, thanks to the staff member’s quick and precise communication about the male’s description and direction of travel, officers located the suspect within three minutes.
"He was detained in handcuffs and the stolen bottles were recovered.”
The post added: “The male in question, James Ailmore, was later charged in relation to this offence.
“A great example of teamwork between local businesses and your Safer Streets Team.”
The Safer Streets Team in Melton Mowbray is a network of representatives of Melton Borough Council's Safer Communities Team, Leicestershire Police, and the Safer Melton Partnership.
Funding of £3,000 from Partnership and Melton BID last year enabled dozens of new radios to be bought for businesses allowing them to flag up individuals and incidents in real time.
The scheme has led to the arrest of a number of suspected shop lifters since then and a drink-driving suspect.