SHOPS in Runcorn and Widnes will receive assistance from police this week in a week-long crackdown targeting shoplifting.

Cheshire Police will be working alongside partner organisations and local retailers to help tackle the crime.

Officers will also be clamping down on anti-social behaviour at premises across Cheshire.

Over the course of this week, the force will be delivering an array of activities and initiatives with local businesses and retail areas, as well as tackling some of the most prolific offenders.

Officers will also be looking to target smaller businesses and industrial estates, promoting a number of initiatives tradespeople can get involved in to protect property and business across the area.

Crime prevention talks on how traders can better protect their businesses will be delivered, as well as visits to repeat victims of retail crime.

Moreover, high visibility patrols will be seen at key retail areas in the county to deter any anti-social behaviour or shoplifting within Cheshire’s businesses.

Retailers are also being encouraged to get involved with the ShopKind campaign, which encourages positive behaviour in shops.

It also acknowledges the important role of shopworkers and raises awareness about the scale and impact of violence and abuse against them.

Inspector Scott Fletcher said: “Police alone cannot effectively address all the issues relating to crime and safety, but working together with businesses, we can help prevent and deter crime.

“Businesses, customers and visitors will see an increased police presence and activity during this week.

“Crime prevention talks, joint operations with trading standards and licencing partners, alongside the increased number of officers visible, will demonstrate the importance of tackling crime to protect and safeguard staff in businesses and retail premises.”

Anyone with any information regarding business-related crime is asked to call Cheshire Police on 101, or always 999 in an emergency, or visit cheshire.police.uk/tell-us