Operation Discount

Police have launched a fresh crime-busting initiative to catch shoplifters who target York stores. Under the banner Operation Discount, officers from the Guildhall Safer Neighbourhood Team will join forces with Safer York Partnership and the crime reduction group Retailers Against Crime in York (RACY) in a high-visibility campaign of action to deter the thieves who each year cost stores dear.

Jane Mowat, director of Safer York Partnership, said the day would be a "three pronged attack" on crime - educating retail staff on preventing crime, stopping youngsters from becoming involved in crime and targeting offenders.

"It is pleasing to see an obvious increase in the number of visitors to the city this summer," she said. "We are keen that anyone, whether they live, work or are just visiting in York, have a positive experience. Unfortunately, any crowded place makes stealing purses and bags easy."

"This operation will target every offender committing all aspects of retail crime, from professional shoplifting teams to the individual who has never stolen from shops before."

Extra police will be patrolling the streets and officers will hand out "cat bells" that can be attached to purses to help prevent thefts from handbags and stop pickpockets.

Staff at city-centre stores will be given advice on how to deter crime and will be shown the benefits of belonging to RACY - set up in 1998 by retailers who saw the benefit of working together to reduce shoplifting in their stores.

The day will be one of a number rolled out over the summer holidays.

PC Steve Skeoch, of the Guildhall Safer Neighbourhoods Team, said: "Several action days are being planned where there will be an increased police presence in the city, through the use of special constables, specialist departments and partner agencies.

"We will also be targeting the professional shoplifting teams and the prolific offenders that come into the city."

PC Skeoch said Operation Discount will continue after the six-week school break and will see officers educating children on crime and its impact on the city.

"We will be going into schools to talk to pupils on the consequences of shoplifting and that it is not a victimless crime," he said. "We will also show the impact the crime has on their lives and future, to help prevent them from coming into contact with the Criminal Justice System."