THE digital fight against crime has produced its first prosecution after a Darlington man was caught shoplifting thanks to a police database.

The SentrySIS online network was rolled out to town centre retailers last month in partnership with Durham Police to crackdown on prolific thieves in the area.

Businesses formally signed up to Darlington’s Shopwatch scheme are now able to share intelligence, witness statements and CCTV footage of serial offenders via the rebranded Darlington Business Against Crime (DBAC) initiative.

A 37-year-old man is the first to be apprehended under the new system after a report was submitted to the police by security staff in Northgate’s Boots store.

The suspect was later arrested and charged with shoplifting.

Durham Police’s Sergeant Adam Norris, said: “The system is designed to make the process of reporting a crime much quicker, freeing up time for both store staff and for officers.

“SentrySIS is already reaping benefits with wanted persons being arrested by the police after being spotted by eagle-eyed retail staff.

“Another advantage is that retail stores on the system are now able to help protect each other by circulating images of suspects and prolific offenders at the touch of a button.”

  • For more information, contact Sgt Adam Norris via non-emergency number, 101.