Selby Shopwatch scheme expands for safer Christmas shopping
Retailers work together on crime prevention using new resources
Retailers in Selby are boosting efforts to make the town centre safer for shoppers this Christmas through the Shopwatch scheme.
The initiative aims to deter retail crime and anti-social behaviour by improving communication and security among local shops during the festive shopping period.
As part of the scheme, participating stores use two-way radios to share real-time alerts about suspicious activity, emergencies, and other concerns, while also linking with CCTV control centres for added protection.
Six new radios have been provided, adding to the initial stock of 11, which was funded by North Yorkshire Police using the Government’s antisocial behaviour hotspot fund. The additional radios have been financed through grants allocated to community safety hubs by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Currently, 17 retailers are involved in the scheme, with high-profile businesses such as Morrisons, New Look, The Range, Marks & Spencer, B&M, and McDonalds joining recently.
How Shopwatch helps the community
The radios enable swift communication between retailers and the police, helping prevent theft and keeping shoppers and staff safe. Seasonal trends suggest retail crime incidents often increase during December, and Shopwatch offers reassurance to businesses and customers during this busy time.
The scheme creates stronger links between retailers and existing CCTV systems, facilitating coordinated responses to incidents in real time.
Councillor Heather Phillips, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for corporate services, said:
“This collaborative approach helps create a safer environment for staff and shoppers while deterring retail crime.
“Selby town centre has been identified as a hotspot for anti-social behaviour and retail crime.
“While shoplifting figures have declined recently, seasonal trends show an increase in incidents during the festive period.
“The Shopwatch scheme provides reassurance to businesses and customers alike, ensuring a united front against such crimes.”
Councillor Jack Proud, elected member for Selby East Division, said:
“I’m really pleased to see the Selby Shopwatch scheme extended after its early success tackling retail crime.
“It’s an important initiative, and it’s great to see the council and North Yorkshire Police taking proactive action to keep shop staff and customers safe in our town.
“I’d also encourage any shops not yet involved to join the scheme and help strengthen this effort.”
Jo Coles, York and North Yorkshire Deputy Mayor for policing, fire, and crime, emphasised the importance of collaboration in reducing retail crime, saying:
“Helping retailers to share intelligence is a great example of direct, local investment making a difference.
“It’s great that so many have already chosen to take part in this scheme, working together to deliver safe places for everyone in our region.”
Partners, including North Yorkshire Police and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, will monitor the scheme’s effectiveness by tracking retail crime figures and engaging with participating businesses.