A CRACKDOWN on shoplifting has become a top priority for police in Chippenham as patrols in the area have been increased for the Christmas period.

Officers from the Community Policing Team (CPT) will carry out high visibility patrols both in uniform and in plain clothes to catch shoplifters and deter would-be thieves.

A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: “Chippenham CPT have launched an initiative to prevent and detect shoplifting in Chippenham.

“Officers will carry out high-visibility proactive patrols in the town to tackle shoplifting especially during the festive period.”

Owner of The Bay Tree, a gift shop in the Emery Gate Shopping Centre, Liz Mason has welcomed the move after she has experienced problems with shoplifting.

“We have had some stuff taken,” said the 57-year-old, who runs the store with her daughter, Sophie Whitby.

“We’ve been open 14 months and we have got more stock in the shop this Christmas.

“Community officers call in and it’s good to see.”

The Chippenham BID, which supports local businesses in the town, also has two town hosts who actively go into shops to help with any problems and are helping to tackle the issue of shoplifting.

Matt Powell, interim manager for Chippenham BID, said: “Working in partnership is incredibly important for BIDs in towns and cities.

“Chippenham BID have two town hosts who are now SIA security trained and work closely with Emery Gate and Borough Parade shopping centre security, Chippenham PCSOs and local police to ensure the town is safe for visitors and businesses alike.”