Gwent Police has revealed that 25 businesses have now signed up to the recently established Blackwood Retail Partnership.
The partnership aims to reduce shoplifting and other crime in the area by improving communication between local businesses, the police and the council.
Police have also issued a warning in the run-up to Christmas that they will be using a variety of tactics – such as plain clothes officers – to clamp down on shoplifters.
Blackwood Neighbourhood Team Inspector Mark Smith said: “Retail theft is a major problem for all businesses, both large national retailers and smaller independents. Unfortunately, Blackwood is no exception. It is town which, according to local statistics, is a preferred location for shoppers. In view of this, I am determined to pledge the full support of the Blackwood Neighbourhood Policing Team to the towns retailers, who work hard to make a profit, during these tough economic times.
“I have already increased patrols of the town centre with highly visible unformed officers. I am regularly deploying plain clothes officers too. We are also working with the local authority, making full use of the town centre CCTV system to identify suspicious activity and suspects.
“Arrests have been made, with their homes searched for other stolen property and numerous individuals receiving banning notices from the towns Retail Partnership stores. My message is simple, if you intend to shoplift in Blackwood, be prepared to be caught. My team will be after you.”
If you have information about anyone committing retail crime, call Gwent police on 101.