POLICE and traders have teamed up to stamp out crime and anti-social behaviour in their town centre.

Spennymoor police are the first in the Sedgefield division to launch Shop Watch - an initiative similar to the Neighbourhood Watch scheme - in Spennymoor.

More than 50 businesses in the town's main shopping area have joined the scheme, which is being led by local beat officer PC Dawn Southern and Sergeant Dave Wray.

Staff who work in premises covered by Shop Watch share information with the police about offences that have occurred or give descriptions of suspected shoplifters.

The initiative encourages retailers to be extra vigilant and cautious when a suspected thief enters their premises and helps officers to locate them.

The town's Pub and Club Watch scheme, which is specifically for licensed premises, is also in the process of being relaunched.

PC Southern said: "The response to both schemes has been very positive. Using our radios and Crime-ring computers we are able to inform members of active criminals that may be in the area. There has been a noted reduction in crime already, in particular shoplifting figures compared with the same spell last year have fallen dramatically."

Town centre manager Wendy Benson praised the efforts of the police and traders to improve safety.

She said: "People like to feel safe when visiting a town centre and both initiatives have been successful, not only in reducing crime but reducing the fear of crime, in Spennymoor. It is encouraging to see so many businesses working together for the benefit of the town."

The watch schemes, in addition to improvements to the Festival Walk precinct, aim to increase the town's appeal as a shopping centre.

Earlier this year, The Northern Echo launched a Shopping for a Future campaign to support communities in the south of the county.

Chamber of trade chairman John Welsh said: "It is very reassuring to know that we are all working together and with the police to protect our businesses and visitors to the town."