A NEW radio network has been set up between police and shops in Melksham to fight shoplifting.

Using the radios, shops can communicate with each other and police instantly to report shoplifters, suspicious activity or missing children.

It was launched on Monday and eight stores have signed up to be part of it as another option to 101 and 999.

Sainsbury’s, Pound Stretcher and Superdrug are among the stores to have bought the radio system.

PCSO Chris Pugh said the addition of the radios is going to benefit the town.

He said: “If we are listening to it we can respond accordingly and it comes at the right time before Christmas.”

“It is a great tool to stop shoplifting and staff can give a shout out to the other stores.”