POLICE and traders have teamed up to stamp out crime and anti-social behaviour in their town centre.

Spennymoor Police are the first in the Sedgefield division to launch Shop Watch, an initiative similar to the Neighbourhood Watch scheme, in Spennymoor.

Over 50 businesses in the town's main shopping area have joined the scheme, which is spearheaded by beat officer PC Dawn Southern and Sgt Dave Wray.

Staff who work in premises covered by Shop Watch share information with officers about offences that have occurred or descriptions of potential shop-lifters.

This encourages retailers to be extra vigilant and cautious when a possible thief enters their property and helps officers to locate suspects.

The town's Pub and Club Watch scheme, specifically for licensed premises, is also in the process of being re-launched.

PC Southern said: "The response to both schemes has been very positive.

"Using our radios and crime-ring computers we're able to inform members of active criminals that may be in the area. There has been a noted reduction in crime already, in particular shop-lifting figures compared to the same spell last year have fallen dramatically."

Town centre manager Wendy Benson praised the efforts of the police and traders to improve safety in the town centre.

She said: "People like to feel safe when visiting a town centre and both initiatives have been successful, not only in reducing crime but reducing the fear of crime, in Spennymoor.

"It is encouraging to see so many businesses working together for the benefit of the town and its community."

The move, along with improvements to Festival Walk precinct, aims to increase the town's appeal as a shopping centre.

Chamber of Trade chairman John Welsh said: "It is very reassuring to know that we are all working together and with the police to protect our businesses and visitors to the town."