The North East Retail Crime Partnership has joined forces with Northumbria Police to offer training to retailers and others that have to deal with shop crime.

Ten delegates recently took part in the two day Retail Awareness Training Programme (RATS). The course helps those taking part to identify and deal with shop thieves from their arrival in the store until the police arrive. It also examines legal issues and the implications of human rights legislation.

Topics under discussion included shop theft, fraud, refund and counterfeit methods used by criminals. At the end of the second day, those taking part were presented with certificates on behalf of Northumbria Police by Chief Constable, Crispian Strachan.

Stephanie Campbell, NERCP project co-ordinator, said: "This course is invaluable to everyone in the retail industry, from management to the shop floor, to help them work more effectively with the police in combating shop theft."

One of the participants, William English, operations support manager at Reliance Security, added: "Overall I feel I have benefited greatly from the presentation. I've gained a higher appreciation of retail crime prevention and the intelligence involved.

"I would recommend that the course is extended throughout the region and promoted nationally."

For more information on retail crime training courses from the North East Retail Crime Partnership (NERCP) contact Stephanie Campbell on 01661 868419 (direct line).

Northumbria Coalition Against Crime, Northumbria Police HQ, Ponteland, Newcastle upon Tyne NE20 0BL
Telephone 01661 868 424, Fax 01661 868488, E-mail [email protected]