Rangers to help tackle Oswestry shoplifting and anti-social behaviour

West Mercia Police Insp Claire Greenaway said she is looking forward to working with the new rangers

So-called rangers are being brought in to help tackle shoplifting and anti-social behaviour in Oswestry.

It is hoped the new team will help tackle a rapid rise in crime, according to the town centre's Business Improvement District (BID).

It is part of Shopwatch, a scheme where police and traders work together to tackle concerns.

West Mercia Police Insp Claire Greenaway said she was looking forward to working with the two new rangers.

They will be trained by the force and will then support police patrols from November in a bid to increase safety for staff and customers in shops.

The team are being funded by the BID - a business-led body which works to improve their area - after failing to gain financial backing from the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).

Mental health impact

BID Manager Adele Nightingale said traders were "losing thousands of pounds a week".

She said there was also a "mental health impact" on those witnessing crime.

"We know that there are times when people go in with a shopping bag and literally fill their bag and walk out of the store saying 'There is nothing you can do about it," Ms Nightingale added.

Several stores, including big chains and small traders are understood to have been affected.

In a statement, Sainsbury's said it was the first retailer to introduce body-worn cameras for staff.

"Colleagues now wear cameras in every Sainsbury's store and footage can be uploaded direct to a police portal", a spokesperson said.

They added that the number of security officers had been increased this year across its stores.

Ms Nightingale said she hoped the "visual presence" of the uniformed rangers, equipped with bodycams, would help deter crime for all traders.

PCC John Campion said he welcomed the work, which strengthened police "relationships with local businesses and partners to combat shoplifting and anti-social behaviour in Oswestry".