CONGLETON shopkeepers are declaring war on shoplifters and vandals in a hi-tech bid to drive criminals from the town centre.

High Street store managers are looking at signing up for a radio system aimed at creating no-go zones for shoplifters.

Shop owners are also being asked to support moves to install a surveillance camera to scan shops and restaurants near the town centre.

The camera would protect the Mill Street and Antrobus Street area, which, along with CCTV cameras planned for the pedestrian walkway, would provide blanket surveillance for the town centre.

Numerous chain stores in Bridge Street have given their backing to a RadioWatch system which enables shops to alert each other to suspicious customers.

Each shop signing up to the system would have a two-way radio to enable them to respond immediately to problems.

In addition a surveillance camera could soon go up at the corner of Mill Street and Antrobus Street, linked to a security system operated by Bargain Booze.

The off-licence has offered shopkeepers the chance to use spare channels on its monitor, the only cost to retailers interested in taking advantage of the offer is that of paying for a security camera.

"We're trying to create a situation where there's no hiding place in Congleton for vandals and shoplifters,'' said Congleton chamber of trade vice-president Ian Swann.

"The proposed cameras outside Bargain Booze could link in with those planned for the pedestrian precinct, which would provide blanket coverage of the town.

"The two-way radios are a good idea, and I would like to think once the multiples have the system the independents will see the benefit of joining in.''

Edward Price, sales manager for the firm looking to bring the pager system to Congleton, said 10 town centre chains were interested in the anti-crime initiative.

"They all think shoplifting is a problem, and shops where we've installed the system report less theft and a feeling of greater security for staff, women in particular.''

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