Staff at shops across the town are linked by radios which they use to warn each other and local police officers of any suspicious behaviour or incidents.

Shopwatch members have now banned 20 people from entering stores because of their anti-social and criminal behaviour. The bans last for two years.

Retailers who are part of the Shopwatch system are also linked via radio to local pubs, meaning a total of 24 businesses in Matlock and Matlock Bath are taking part in the scheme, which is funded by the Safer Derbyshire Dales Community Safety Partnership.

PC Martin Jones, of Matlock Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: "Because shop owners have been able to contact local officers to report incidents, we have made a dozen arrests as a direct result of the radios.

"Recently, one of the stores alerted officers to a suspected offender. With the help of the town's CCTV system and shop radios, the person was quickly found and detained by officers.

"It shows just how well the scheme works. In the past this person may have escaped."

Cllr Lewis Rose, chairman of the Derbyshire Dales Community Safety Partnership, said: "Shopwatch is proving a great success in Matlock and is a good example of working with the community to find solutions and help keep the Derbyshire Dales a safe place to work and visit."


READ MORE
Main news index
Letters
Local sport
Music and gig scene