Tune In

Littlehampton Shopwatch, linking together more than 30 businesses through its own radio channel, has achieved a dramatic cut in thefts from shops since it first went onto the airwaves around six years ago.

Now the network is being upgraded to make messages and alerts easier to hear, and extend the coverage to three kilometres from the town centre.

A new base station has been set up, high above the shopping centre, to boost the signal strength and overcome gaps in the coverage of the current system.

Sue Walker, chairman of Shopwatch and manager of Dorothy Perkins, Littlehampton, said the new network would build on the success of the scheme so far.

"We have been able to reunite lost children and even found a lost dog. But the main benefit is moving on known shoplifters. They hate the system. There has been a dramatic reduction in stock loss in shops in the town since we have had it.

"Shopwatch also provides extra security for our customers. One lady came in and said she felt so much safer because of our radios."