A SCHEME which has seen businesses in York join forces in the fight against crime has claimed an accolade for its success in stopping shoplifters targeting stores in the city.

Retailers Against crime in York (RACY) has set up a network of traders in the city to put barriers in the way of thieves, sharing pictures and files on known offenders so they can be spotted by staff.

They have also used CCTV to snare prolific criminals, while police use the Repeat Offender Database to pass on details about shop crime to traders.

Now the initiative’s achievements have been hailed after it received the Safer Business Award with Distinction, in recognition of the impact of its retail teamwork.

The award was presented by Richard Barron, chief executive of the Association of Business Crime Partnerships (ABCP), after one of its representatives ran the rule over RACY’s work and methods.

Michelle Sutcliffe, RACY’s business crime manager, said: “I was delighted to receive the accolade from Mr Barron.

“Our success has been enhanced by excellent partnership working between North Yorkshire Police, Safer York Partnership, the council CCTV room, Sitelink Radios and RACY members who have all helped to reduce retail crime in York.” Michelle said RACY would not be “sitting on its laurels” after receiving the award.

She said “Life is getting tougher for many people and we expect shoplifting attempts to rise accordingly.

“We are determined to work together even more effectively to stay ahead of the game.”

RACY was set up in 1998 by concerned retailers who saw the benefit of working together to reduce shoplifting in their stores.

It is a partnership between North Yorkshire Police, City of York Council, Safer York Partnership, York Crime Prevention Panel and more than 250 stores across the city.

Retailers who have yet to join the RACY partnership can contact Michelle on michelle.sutcliffe@york.gov.uk for further details.