Dyfed-Powys Police has joined forces with the business community in Cardigan to launch the Steal and Be Banned initiative.

The innovative scheme has been introduced to combat shoplifting in the town and help to reduce theft related crime, thus making Cardigan a safer place for everybody to live.

In total, 11 retail premises have signed-up to SABB. Prior to the SABB scheme, Cardigan business community did not have a coordinated approach in relation to shoplifting or security issues and there was little or no information sharing between individual businesses.

The loss of revenue to retail premises from shoplifting can run into thousands of pounds and includes a diverse range of products.

PCSO Steffan Jones has been instrumental in ensuring SABB was introduced, he says: “ I hope this sends out a strong and clear signal to those who commit this type of crime, that the local businesses will not tolerate this type of behaviour, and will work in partnership with each other and the police to tackle such crime”.

“The members will meet regularly and when an individual has been convicted in court or been issued with a Fixed-Penalty Notice or caution, their case will be put before the SABB committee and a minimum of three members will be required to make a decision on behalf of the membership.”

Individuals – juvenile or adult – facing a ban can access information on an appeal against the decision. In cases where people have been charged by the Police but bailed to court, the individual will need to be convicted in court before a banning order will be considered.

Period of ban:

Person’s found guilty of a shoplifting offence either by Penalty notice, caution or charged in court could face being placed on the scheme for a period of between 3 and 12 months. Those who are subject of a banning notice could face the ban being extended by 1 month period should they attempt to enter any of the stores on the scheme.

In addition, if any stores would like to join the scheme please contact Cardigan Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101.

All participating premises will be displaying window stickers with a logo identifying membership