RETAILERS from some of the largest supermarkets in Fife, including Asda, the Co-op, Morrisons and Tesco have joined an initiative launched by Police Scotland’s Fife Division aimed at tackling shoplifting and enhancing a safer shopping environment.

Superintendent Dougie Milton, who is leading the initiative, chaired a meeting of senior managers from the retailers concerned, to discuss shoplifting trends and share good practice as well as developing tactics to tackle shoplifting.

He said, "This is the first time all the major supermarket chains in Fife have come together in this very worthwhile initiative and I am delighted that the retailers are playing their part.

"We have developed a number of proposals aimed at making it more difficult for people to shoplift and to make the shopping environment safer for the public and staff alike.

"These proposals range from the retailers sharing information both with the police and each other for the first time; to discussions and suggestions as to how we can address offending behaviour, train staff, increase patrols in retail outlets and more effectively use legislation and banning orders to prevent repeat offenders frequenting the premises.

"This will be an on-going process with an action plan being developed and regular meetings of the group to take the work forward." Pauline Duncan, investigations manager with Asda, said, ‘’Working in partnership with the police is a first for the major supermarkets and by sharing best practice we aim to reduce crime in our stores."