Crooks banned (From Penarth Times)

Crooks banned

PENARTH police have launched a new initiative to help shopkeepers in the town centre identify shoplifters and troublemakers.

The new Penarth Shopwatch scheme, which is a joint initiative between shopkeepers and the police, aims to drive known criminals who target shops out of Penarth.

The police have circulated a folder containing photographs of prolific local criminals to all town centre shops.

Mike George of Penarth police said: "The folder contains details of about 15 prolific local criminals whose convictions are still in force. They have convictions for things like shoplifting, using stolen credit cards and anti-social behaviour.

"They have all been sent a letter telling them that they will not be welcome at any of the shops in Penarth town centre.

"If they do enter one of the shops the owners will ask them to leave.

"If the criminals refuse, the shopkeepers can call us and we will escort them off the premises."