SHOPLIFTERS intent on plying their trade in Alton this Christmas have been warned by Alton Police to think again. Gangs from Aldershot and other stops along the SWT spur line, target the town centre at this time of year, thinking that, because of its small size and rural feel, they can expect easy pickings. Thieves have been known to travel from as far afield as Portsmouth. But Alton's idyllic atmosphere belies the fact that, under the surface, there is a concerted anti-shoplifting system at work, linking police with local tradespeople. Following three years' success, Alton Police have once again launched their Christmas crime-busting initiative, Operation Ironmill, which sees three extra officers patrolling the centre during working hours, on the look-out for shoplifters and those wily thieves who line their pockets by going through other people's. The business community also plays an integral part. A radio system called Shop-Watch throws a net of communication over the town, linking businesses with each other and the police, creating what is effectively a line of witnesses. Pc Mick Falls, whose regular beat is the town centre, said that the message is being sent out: Alton is not a soft touch. "It's probably the busiest time of the year and what we've found, since doing Ironmill, is that we've stopped a lot of the thefts that have happened," he said. "Because we haven't got CCTV, and a lot of the shops haven't got their own security firms, a lot of people come from different areas into Alton, thinking it'll be an easy touch." The officer believes the ShopWatch system is crucial in catching the criminals and makes the fight against theft a lot easier. "As soon as someone comes in the shop who's acting suspiciously, the information is passed to all of the ShopWatch members, so they can listen in. When that person comes into their shop, they can update the police officer that they are now in their store, so we know where to go." He added: "We've some very good results because of the ShopWatch system and the officers on the street. Two or three additional officers will be patrolling the town centre during shopping hours, from now until Christmas. Where possible, plain clothes officers will also be deployed to provide hidden surveillance to compliment the bobbies' visible presence, which in itself both prevents crime and reassures those who may fear it. Pc Gamble, another Operation Ironmill recruit, said that it is not just youngsters who commit the crimes. "It's all sorts," he said. Thankfully, violence is generally not a factor in the thefts. "In previous years there has been one or two cases, but nothing we can't handle. I don't think I can recall an incident when any member of the public's been injured." Alton is not big enough to be affected by organised shoplifting or pickpocket gangs, said Pc Gamble, but that does not mean they are not professionals and that shoppers and shop-owners should not be on their guard.
