SHOPLIFTERS are being targeted by fed-up shopkeepers in Brighouse.

Thanks to funding from the Brighouse and Rastrick Action Planning Team, 12 new radios have been bought to help shops keep in touch with each other to beat the thieves.

The town has been plagued by shoplifters but traders and police are confident the new communication links will help.

Pc Ashley Smith said: "The message to thieves is stay away. Brighouse is now safer than ever for shoppers and traders.

"The scheme will take the total number of premises involved in the Shopwatch scheme to 30.

"Not only will this give extended coverage throughout Brighouse but the radios also have a direct link to the local police station.

"We are also hoping soon to have the town centre pubs in the loop as well and broadcasting on the same frequency."

Harrison Lord Framers and Photographers is one of the radio-linked shops.

Manager Gordon Taylor welcomed the scheme's growth.

He said:

"The improved radios not only directly link us to the police station but are also on a licensed frequency so are less likely to be accessed by others."