A digital radio system is to be trialed in Tenterden to help retailers share instant alerts about the presence of shoplifters.
The TownNet Shop Watch radio scheme has been running successfully in Ashford for some time, but has now been refined to deliver a specific service for Tenterden and St Michael’s shopkeepers and pub landlords.
Users will be able to communicate with each other, and the system will link to the police, PCSOs and the town’s CCTV, enabling shoplifters to be clearly identified.
Each handset has a panic button for use by shopworkers on their own, allowing other scheme users to come to their aid.
The Town Council agreed on Monday 12 April to seek a trial of TownNet Shop Watch, and is considering helping subsidise the annual charge of £364 for the first 30 shops to sign up.