STORES on a retail park are joining forces to tackle shoplifting by installing a radio network.

Nine stores on the Dragonville retail park will share security alerts and details of suspicious behaviour through the radio network, known as Shop Watch.

Shoplifters caught under the scheme will be banned from all participating stores, which include Aldi, Matalan, B&Q, TK Maxx and Tesco.

Tony Spence, site manager for the retail park's landlord, said: "The idea for Shop Watch was raised by Matalan during a recent tenant meeting and we were only too happy to get the scheme off the ground and oversee its ongoing management.

"If everyone works together we stand a much better chance of beating crime. We are also sending out a clear message that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated at Dragonville."

PC Stephen Crowe, of the Sherburn neighbourhood policing team that is backing Shop Watch, said: "This is another example of how the crime reduction partnership works with retailers to help tackle crime, as well as making the area a safer place to work and live in."