POLICE officers have introduced new plans to crack down on shoplifters targeting supermarkets and retailers in Colchester.

Essex Police’s business crime team is partnering with Lidl stores in the city in a bid to make them a less attractive prospective for would-be crooks. 

The force has advised Lidl bosses of a few simple yet effective measures they can use in order to reduce the risk of theft and prevent the chances of workers being attacked.

Sergeant Christian Denning, of the business crime team, said: “We’re dedicated to supporting businesses across Essex and, through our Open for Business, Closed for Crime initiative, we also work with them to encourage them to report crime to us.

“As well as banning offenders for an extended period of time from the stores they have been targeting, we can use Criminal Behaviour Orders which include conditions which seek to help divert offenders from their criminal behaviour. 

“Where we believe a CBO would be justified to help protect retail staff from repeated abuse and stores from recurrent offending, we work to apply to the courts for them. 

“It is an important function of the business crime team to advise, guide and support our counties organisations in crime prevention and best practise.” 

Organisations interested in talking to the business crime team should email at Business.Crime.Unit@essex.police.uk.