Police in Sidmouth are preparing to launch a WhatsApp group as part of a new ‘Shop Watch’ scheme to send out instant alerts about suspicious behaviour in the town.
The group, which is open to shopkeepers and their staff only, will allow members to share descriptions or photographs.
Sergeant Andy Squires said: “It’s purely to replace the ring-around system for shops and businesses to share details and describe suspicious people or shoplifters in the area.”
The police are the only administrators of the WhatsApp group and shops can include more than one staff member. Sgt Squires added that the police phone used for the group will not be monitored and must not be used as a means of contacting the local team.
Shopkeepers interested in signing up to the group are asked to download WhatsApp and email their shop name and mobile number to sidmouth@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk.
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