South Kesteven District Council Expands Shopwatch Scheme to Enhance Retail Crime Prevention
Retailers in Stamford, Bourne, and Market Deeping are being encouraged to join the Shopwatch scheme, an initiative by the South Kesteven District Council aimed at bolstering local crime prevention efforts. This program, already operational in Grantham, equips participating businesses with radios to facilitate rapid information sharing and coordination with local partners. These radios are linked to the council's CCTV control room, which is monitored 24/7, and can connect directly with Lincolnshire Police. The council is investing £25,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to support the scheme's expansion. Councillor Paul Stokes, deputy leader of the council, emphasized the practical benefits of the initiative, allowing retailers to quickly share intelligence. Barbara Mooney, the coordinator for Pubwatch and Shopwatch, noted that the radio license would be covered for the first year, with businesses needing to be members of the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce Shopwatch scheme to participate.