POLICE are urging local retailers to join a Shop Watch scheme as they increase patrols in the lead up to Christmas.

Officers are visiting every shop in Northallerton to encourage those who are not already members of the town’s Shop Watch to sign up.

The scheme is aimed at keeping people visiting the town to shop as safe as possible and to disrupt the activities of those who have criminal intent.

Members receive images of known offenders committing crime in the town as well as updates about crime trends.

Sergeant Simon Wilson said: “Northallerton is a safe place to live, work and visit. Working with retailers, we intend to keep it that way.

“Police officers are already working with retail businesses across Northallerton to share information about those who visit the town with the intention of committing crime. The visits to shops by officers is a development of that work, to encourage all businesses to join the scheme.

“By working in partnership with retailers we aim to make life as difficult as possible for the minority of visitors to Northallerton, who come with the intent of preying on shops and their legitimate customers.”

He added: “During the run up to Christmas, plain clothes officers will be out and about in the town making life as difficult as possible for criminals. Officers will also carry out extra high visibility patrols as reassurance to those visiting Northallerton for shopping and leisure.”

*Anyone who has information about people committing retail crime should contact police on 101, select option one and pass the details to the force control room.