A NEW shopwatch scheme has been launched at a retail park on the A12, which has become a target for shoplifting, vehicle crime, theft and forgery.All the retailers, which includes Tesco, Toys R Us, Currys and PC World, have joined the scheme at the Copdock Retail Park, on the A12/14 interchange just south of Ipswich.

A NEW shopwatch scheme has been launched at a retail park on the A12, which has become a target for shoplifting, vehicle crime, theft and forgery.

All the retailers, which includes Tesco, Toys R Us, Currys and PC World, have joined the scheme at the Copdock Retail Park, on the A12/14 interchange just south of Ipswich.

As part of the scheme the stores will have the support of their community police officer, Pc Simon Burman, who will be able to warn them of known offenders working the area, and possibly a radio link system to help retailers keep in touch with each other.

They will also get crime reduction advice from the area's crime reduction officer, Les King, about ways of improving their security.

Shoppers will also be given crime prevention advice at various times throughout the year.

Insp Lincoln Pratt, commander for Hadleigh police sector, said: "We are conficent that setting up the Shopwatch scheme will not only reduce the amount of crimes being committed but will also reassure the public that it is a safe place to shop with less risk of becoming a victim of crime."

The scheme has been set up through the Babergh Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, which includes members of Babergh District and Suffolk County Council and the police.