Traders are being urged to get involved in a hi-tech bid to thwart shoplifters who target Ilkley's stores in search of rich pickings.

Police and shopkeepers are investigating a scheme which could see the introduction of a walkie-talkie radio system, which would be used to warn traders about shoplifters and suspected thieves.

A similar scheme has proved successful in Keighley but the Ilkley Independent Traders' Association says the system will only get off the ground there if it gets enough backing from local businesses.

Association spokesman David Giddings, who runs Opulent Designs gift shop in The Grove, said: "We've already got our own security system, cameras and our own eyes but shoplifting is a problem in Ilkley and we need something else like this to let us know who's in town and on the move.

"It would be a great help to traders if they could be alerted immediately after someone's been seen acting suspiciously in another shop.

"When a similar thing was suggested before there wasn't enough people interested to get it off the ground but hopefully this time there will be and we're hoping for a good response.''

Mr Giddings said the idea would be brought up at the association's next meeting in two week's time, with traders invited to attend a special meeting to discuss the scheme later on.

Association chairman Jennifer Cowling said: "I think it's an excellent idea but the more people who sign up for it the more effective it would be.

"Any system that provides a quick and effective way to keep people in touch if there's a theft or suspicion of theft has to be a good thing.''

Miggy Bailey, clerk to Ilkley Parish Council, said: "There are some quite expensive shops in Ilkley where shoplifters would enjoy themselves, but if they knew something like this was being done it would make them wary.''

Inspector Alison Bennett, of Ilkley police, said she hoped to organise a meeting with traders soon in a bid get the scheme off the ground.

She said rather than having to telephone the police and other businesses to let them know about a theft or suspected shoplifter, one message relayed through a handset would alert officers and the other traders hooked up to the network.

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