A FEARNHEAD off-licence has seen a fall in the number of shoplifting offences thanks to a couple of plastic boxes.

Inspector Steve Precious, who heads up the Neighbourhood Policing Unit in the east of Warrington, came up with the idea of using Perspex crates to reduce thefts when he met with off-licence staff.

The crates are designed to hold boxes of beer, which are tightly packed together making it almost impossible for a shoplifter to run in, grab a box of booze, and escape.

And because cans of alcohol are placed inside individually, offenders can't grab hold of large numbers in one go.

Insp Precious said: "The crates were set up in January this year and to date there has been one offence of shoplifting. This compares with five offences in the same period last year."

Alcohol is stacked into the crates in such a way that it is only possible to select items one at a time from the top of the box.

While customers are still able to make their selections, the crooks can't grab from the side of the display and make a swift getaway.

Jackie Dugdale, deputy manager of The Local, on Insall Road, said: "The crates have significantly reduced shoplifting in the store."

Anyone with information about crime can contact Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.