A MUSSELBURGH councillor and local trader have joined forces in a bid to set up a ShopWatch scheme to combat the rising number of thefts from shops and other commercial premises in the town.

Councillor Stuart Currie, SNP member for Musselburgh East and Carberry, and Neil Wilson, who owns a greengrocer’s on High Street, said the time has come to take action to send a message to offenders that shoplifting would not be tolerated in the Honest Toun.

Mr Currie said: “I speak to many traders in our town who tell me that the amount of theft from shops is at an all-time high level and seems to be getting worse.

“Often these crimes are being committed by the same individuals and the time has come to take action.”

He said: “I want to see a scheme similar to Pubwatch which alerts local businesses by text message if shoplifters are in the area and gives a description so that owners can be on the lookout.

“It would be inexpensive to establish and would send out a message that Musselburgh will not put up with theft that has a terrible effect on many of our traders who are trying to run a business.”

Mr Wilson, this year’s Town Champion in the Riding of the Marches festival, said: “After bumping into Stuart a couple of weeks ago, we chatted about the high street and I suggested that many years ago we spoke about setting up a ShopWatch scheme. Stuart has since looked into the idea and I for one would welcome any support the council could give.”

He added: “Customers need to feel safe in our High Street and, with unsavoury characters in our shops daily, they don’t. The same offenders steal from shops up and down the street and I think it’s time to clear them up.

“A ShopWatch scheme would be a start and regular police walking the beat in high-visibility gear will also make a difference, especially as the festive period kicks off.”

Traders are holding a meeting next Tuesday (November 29) at The Brunton, with a view to possibly setting up a business association, and the ShopWatch idea will be on the agenda for discussion. The event in Esk Room 1 from 7pm to 9pm, has been organised by the Musselburgh Area Partnership, which is sending out invitations to the business community.

Community Inspector Andrew Harborow said: “Police Scotland is committed to reducing crime in East Lothian and we would certainly be happy to talk to shopkeepers in Musselburgh about developing a ShopWatch scheme.

“There are many methods of shoplifting, from trickery to de-tagging, and we can offer advice on products and procedures that can assist in reducing incidents of shoplifting.

“Keeping track of where customers are in the premises, offering assistance and anticipating a shopper’s needs greatly reduces shoplifting.

“Meanwhile, can I suggest the following as useful tips in spotting potential shoplifters: watch out for people carrying oversized bags; shoplifters will lift items from displays and carry them around the shop while they ‘look’ at other displays; they might carry newspapers to conceal flat items such as books or magazines; they often wear overcoats not suitable for the weather conditions; and they can appear nervous, overly warm or agitated.

“Shopkeepers can ask for a crime prevention survey to be conducted at their premises, where tailor-made prevention measures can be recommended. Contact your local community officer if you would like to go ahead with this.”