STORES in Accrington town centre have joined with police to clamp down on shoplifting.
Around 80 shops are taking part in a Shopwatch scheme.
If a shoplifter is caught stealing from one store, they can then be banned from all of the stores involved in the scheme.
It is hoped that should a shoplifter then return to one of the stores and be caught, the breach of the ban will be able to be used against them in court Shops including Marks and Spencer, Woolworths and many in the Arndale Centre will be displaying posters to announce their participation in the scheme.
PC Louise Miller, who covers Accrington town centre, said: "This is a chance for the retailers to work together to tackle shoplifting.
"This offence is a particular problem in the town centre, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.
"By creating a united front the shopkeepers are saying they will not stand for this kind of criminal behaviour."
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