A MAJOR crackdown on crime in Winsford shopping centre is to be implemented by town centre managers Paul and Tracy Bateman.

They have revealed ambitious plans to safeguard shoppers by clamping down on pickpockets, those using bicycles in the pedestrianised zone, shoplifters and law-breakers.

Stringent rules have been enforced this week, meaning that cyclists in the shopping centre will face fines of up to £500.

Their images will be recorded on closed circuit TV and colour pictures of persistent offenders will be handed over to the police for identification and possible prosecution.

A computerised rogues' gallery of criminals will also be used to warn shop staff and customers in the town centre, over the public address system, of well-known shoplifters and pickpockets entering the precinct.

And the centre managers are also planning to employ the services of a security guard to help them to combat crime.

Mr Bateman explained: "For a couple of years now we have been desperately trying to put an end to the use of bicycles in the town centre.

"Youngsters seem to completely ignore the fact that a by-law has been passed and it is illegal for them to ride their bikes in a pedestrianised area.

"So we have recently invested in a number of signs which are now displayed throughout the centre, warning offenders that they could be fined a maximum of £500.

"Our concern is that there is going to be an accident. It is dangerous to whizz past on a bike at 30 mph because of elderly people carrying shopping and mothers with their young children.

"No bikes, rollerskates or skateboards are allowed in the centre."

He added: "We will be passing pictures of persistent offenders on to the police and storing CCTV images of shoplifters and pickpockets on our CCTV system.

"We will also be warning shoppers and shops by making public announcements if we spot a well-known pickpocket or shoplifter on the CCTV screens.

"We are not taking such action because we have an abnormal problem in Winsford, there's an issue in every town centre. It's just that we have decided to take some positive steps forward.

"And we are serious in our threat to fine and prosecute people.

"We are working very closely with the police on this initiative."

Winsford police have praised the town centre managers for their positive approach in tackling law-breakers who create problems for town centres everywhere.

Paul commented: "The police think what we are doing is fantastic. We are concerned for the safety of the public and we want to create a good environment for shoppers in Winsford."

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