A PARTNERSHIP between shopkeepers, police and city centre management has seen Hereford city receiving a Safer Shopping Award today.

Presented by the British Retail Consortium, it recognises the huge impact of the partnership's retail radio network on crime prevention and detection in the city.

The network has played a significant part in detecting crime and has helped reduce the number of offences by 30 per cent.

To do nothing about shoplifting was not an option, said Ian Winstone, who co-ordinates the retail radio network.

"Retail and street crime has always had strong links to drugs. It is estimated that retailers in the Midlands lose around £100m a year through shop theft," he said.

"Those involved are also involved in other types of offending, such as street robbery, burglary, vehicle crime, cheque and credit card fraud.

"By working together to reduce the opportunity for thieves to operate, we are taking positive action to make Hereford city a safer, more secure and more attractive place for people to shop, visit, live and work."

The city centre policing team investigated 990 offences in 2001, of which 763 were detected.

Police made 537 arrests in the city centre for shoplifting, burglary, anti-social behaviour and drug-related offences.

"Everyone involved in the retail radio network is tremendously positive, all playing their part in supporting the police and helping us to reduce crime in the city centre," said Sgt Tim Powell, who is responsible for the team of city centre beat managers.

The Safer Shopping Award is an incentive for communities to play an active part in crime reduction.

The Home Office endorsed the view that partnership working was the key to effective crime management in towns and cities through Community Crime Reduction Partnerships - the Retail Contribution, a booklet produced by the Retail Crime Reduction Action Team.

The partnership was assessed for the award to make sure it met agreed operational standards and the required criteria in relation to Data Protection and Human Rights.

A special plaque was due to be unveiled by Chief Constable Peter Hampson in the Maylord Orchard Shopping Centre at noon today, with representatives from city and county councils and others involved in crime prevention and retail security.