Thirty thieves and troublemakers have been banned from Keighley shops during the first few months of a town centre exclusion zone.

Traders say that crimes such as shoplifting and purse dipping have been slashed and staff feel more confident about tackling suspects.

Following the success of the pilot scheme more shops – including supermarkets – are clamouring to sign up.

The zone will be extended across the whole town centre in the New Year following its trial in the Airedale Shopping Centre and Keighley market.

Police will pursue anti-social behaviour orders against prolific offenders who try to enter shops in the exclusion zone. Almost 30 businesses signed up to the scheme after it was announced last June by Keighley Town Centre Association and the Neighbourhood Policing Team.

An association spokesman said the exclusion zone enabled action to be taken quickly against offenders.

He said: “When someone is excluded from a particular business they are excluded from all the businesses that have joined the scheme.”

Town Centre Association chairman Steve Seymour said major companies like Marks & Spencer, Next, Poundland and Boots were pleased with how the scheme was working in Keighley.