RETAIL crime has been slashed in a county town thanks to a radio network designed to crackdown on shoplifters.

Droitwich's retail crime initiative has cut the number of offences from 143 in 1997-1998 to 69 in 1999-2000.

Police have been working with traders and the Droitwich Association for Retail and Tourism Services to tackle the problem.

This has included training for employees, better store design and tackling credit card fraud.

All the shops are linked by radio and have access to CCTV to catch and identify offenders.

Philip Ahmed from Spa-Tronics in the High Street, believes the radio network has proved a boon for the town since the initiative was launched in 1997.

"If there are any troublemakers it's easy to spread the word," he said.

"People's movements can be monitored throughout the town and we have a direct line to the CCTV and other shops.

"The shop users themselves feel easier and it has helped to cut shoplifting and if anything does go amiss people are going to be arrested through the system."

Brenda Morris, of Beaubelle Gifts in St Andrew's Square, agreed.

"When we first had the radio a great many shoplifters were caught because of it," she said.

"It fact it hardly seems as though we use it any more so I think it has been a great help."

Between 1997 and 1998, 106 out of 143 retail offences were detected, while between 1999-2000 69 retail offences were recorded and 47 were detected.

"The success of this partnership approach to crime speaks for itself," said Droitwich beat manager, PC Alun Jones.

"The joint effort of local traders, DARTS association and the police has clearly had an impact over the last three years.

"Retail crime does not pose the problem it did prior to the launch, but that does not mean we will be complacent.

"We will continue to address the incidents positively and be mindful of displacement from other towns."