POLICE in Ledbury have launched a crackdown on shoplifting, during the countdown to Christmas.

The initiative will involve more police patrols, involving both uniformed and plain clothes officers, and local shops will be asked to display the new "Shoplifters Beware" posters.

Traders have welcomed the move, following the release of new shoplifting statistics for the town, and because Christmas is historically a time when shoplifting is more likely to occur.

Ledbury jeweller, Annette Crowe, who is also a town councillor, said: "There is a rise in shoplifting at Christmas. Historically, it's the time of year when some people do try it on."

She added; "Small businesses can be so vulnerable and small losses can have a considerable impact on a small business. It can make the difference between a good and bad week."

Over the last 12 months West Mercia police have received 26 recordable thefts in Ledbury town centre, relating to shoplifting.

But officers do not think that is the whole picture.

A police spokesman said: "We cannot discount business premises that fail to report this type of crime. Historically in the run up to Christmas this offence increases and this week the Ledbury Safer Neighbourhood Team have launched a 'Shoplifters Beware' campaign.

"Local shops are supporting this initiative to tackle offenders by displaying posters in their windows warning that plain clothed and overt patrols will be conducted."

The police spokesman added: "This initiative will provide a high profile focus on retail crime in Ledbury through the use of social media, a press release, CCTV, high visibility patrols, targeting of known offenders to educate, inform, reduce offences, to reduce demand on police resources and provide a visible reassurance."

PC Sarah Ransome-Williams stated ''We are proactively tackling offences of shoplifting and working with retailers in Ledbury town who have welcomed this police initiative.

"The public may not notice the increased police presence but just because they can't see us doesn't mean we're not there. The reality is that by making a bad decision you could find yourself behind bars leaving your family to cope on their own."

She added: "I would urge people to think very carefully about the many other ways in which support can be given rather than resorting to crime''

Kathryn Griffiths, Chairperson of Ledbury Traders Association added: "Offenders do not realise how much this offence can affect the livelihood of shopkeepers in the town. It's a great idea and I look forward to receiving feedback from the Ledbury Safer Neighbourhood Team at the Ledbury Traders AGM, to be held at Nice Things on January 30, at 5.30pm."