A SCHEME to tackle retail crime and reduce losses from shop theft in Darlington was relaunched yesterday.

Lord Mackenzie of Framwellgate Moor, former Home Office advisor to Jack Straw was the main speaker at a seminar giving retailers access to information about shop thieves.

The North East Retail Crime Partnership scheme involves three police forces. Security personnel are given information about who is active so they can identify thieves and store managers are given access to date, never previously available.

The event was supported by Darlington Crimenet and chaired by Louise Payne, town centre manager.