Geraldton police launch Shop Watch early notification scheme as Rigters calls for easier reporting system

Police have launched a spy network among local businesses to help them combat shoplifting, as the Geraldton business that banned unsupervised youth at night has reported no more backlash than usual from evictees. An early notification scheme initiative has begun across the city, helping retailers to identify and quickly communicate potential risks to businesses. It comes as businesses are forced to contend with a spike in shoplifting, which forced the Rigters Supermarket Group to ban under-16s without an adult from entering their stores after 6pm. Geraldton Shop Watch was launched by new Senior Sergeant Russell Hurst, who has already launched a similar successful database in Kalgoorlie. Sen. Sgt Hurst said the program was “off the ground and running” and asked retailers to get involved if they were not already. “The group is designed to notify and share information between retailers to warn them of antisocial and/or suspicious behaviour, notify police of theft incidents in case they are in the area at the time and allow for police to provide regular updates to the group about positive outcomes,” he said. Sen. Sgt Hurst said police would continue to work with retailers to identify, locate and deal with thieves to reduce harm in the community. The scheme comes as Rigters IGA managers called for an easier reporting process or strategies for store owners to have more control over the situation. Last week, Rigters managers said they were left with no option but to enforce a discretionary ban against unsupervised juveniles from entering their stores after 6pm as employees began feeling uneasy at work. Rigters Supermarket Group general manager Kyme Rigter said customers had been supportive of the restrictions since they were established last week and believed the measures had helped reduce shoplifting. “All feedback has been extremely positive so far,” he said. “It has been great to see such support from the community. “The new measures seem to be helping as we have had a slight reduction in youth incidents and the guys seem more confident with the notices up.” Since establishing the new rule, late-shift workers had refused entry to more than six groups of juveniles. Mr Rigter said those who were refused entry had not retaliated any more than usual. He said their response was nothing out of the ordinary and “just the usual” parting words from them. Last week, Mr Rigter said a group of juveniles was throwing rocks at customers and cars at Rigters IGA on Durlacher Street after stealing from the store. Police attended. He said liquor thefts continued across stores and were still on the rise, with one “brazen stealing” from a Cellarbrations store on Friday afternoon. Retailers wishing to be added to Geraldton Shop Watch can email russell.hurst@police.wa.gov.au.