Shopwatch will allow information to be shared between police and shop staff so when known offenders are spotted on their premises they can be reported immediately.

As well as being prosecuted, such offenders could also be banned from participating stores across the town for a lengthy period.

The scheme is a joint initiative between the South and West Lynn Safer Neighbourhood Team and major retailers in the Hardwick area, with 15 stores already on board.

Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Mickey Clark, who has been leading the project, said: “Staff will act as extra pairs of eyes for the police when it comes to identifying and targeting thieves in operation.

“We want to make the Hardwick retail park a no-go area for shoplifters and trouble-makers and we will only be able to achieve this by working together.”

Store workers will use a radio link to warn one another and police of potential thieves and troublemakers and they will meet regularly to receive information and photographs of known offenders.

Posters in a number of different languages are also being used to warn potential thieves that the store is part of the Shopwatch scheme.

Tarquin Chaytors, manager of Caithness Crystal Visitors’ Centre, said: “This has given us superb support with noticeable results.

“We’re pleased to be working in partnership with the police, neighbouring businesses and the community to drive down crime in our area.”