TRADERS in Portishead are stepping up security following fears that thieves from outside the town see them as easy targets.
On January 10, a man posing as a customer made off with more than �1,000 of jackets from Summit Outdoor Leisure in Wyndham Way.
On the same day, a female shoplifter made two visits to Boots in High Street, helping herself to around �1,400 worth of products.
The incidents were captured clearly on CCTV and police now have a suspect.
The Portishead Chamber of Commerce is urging all retailers to use the telephone Shoplifter Alert scheme that exists in the town. As soon as a shoplifter is spotted, all other shops can be immediately put on alert to prevent further incidents occurring.
Chamber president Tony Walmsley said: “We want to send a clear message to any potential thieves that Portishead retailers are taking serious steps to make sure any shoplifters operating in the town are caught. Swift action by shop staff and the police will help us clamp down on this type of crime.”
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