Safer shopping

A NEW crimebusting scheme will make Bootle’s Strand Shopping Centre safer for customers and the business community. The ‘Strand Safe’ initiative will see stores linked through a new state-of-the-art radio system with direct links to the police, security staff and centre management. Members will also gain free staff training in radio protocols, personal safety and assertiveness, as well as assistance in tackling repeat offenders through the courts. Strand Safe was officially launched this week by the Mayor of Sefton, Cllr Richards Hands, along with representatives of Sefton Council, Bootle Business Village Partnership and Merseyside Police. The new scheme is based on a similar initiative in Southport which was one of the first and most successful of its kind in the UK. Martyn Ball, Sefton’s business against crime co-ordinator, said: “The Strand has an excellent reputation for its wide range of shops and pleasant shopping experience. “We want to build on that success and improve the safe environment for shoppers and retail staff alike. “The new system allows us to keep track of criminals and let the businesses community know who may be operating in the area. “And if we do have an incident, the radios can play an important part in helping catch the culprits.” For more information about Strand Safe, ring 934 3475.