A shopkeeper has urged all retailers to get behind a scheme which has helped slash shoplifting rates in Marlow by almost half.

Police have confirmed thefts from Marlow stores were down 45 per cent over the festive period from the previous year.

Officers say Shopwatch - which sees a network of shops communicating to catch criminals - is largely responsible for drop.

David Turner, of High Street skiwear shop Turners, claims the radio link system to police is sending a powerful message to would-be thieves.

And the veteran businessman, who has run the store for over 20 years, says more businesses should sign up for the police-led scheme to help stamp out shoplifting in the town centre.

He said: "It’s definitely a good thing and brings down crime. We haven’t had to use it yet but that’s a good thing. We have got some high end products in the store.

"The great thing is you can hear what is going on elsewhere in town and you can be on the lookout, it’s definitely a positive for Marlow.

"It makes you feel safer when you know someone is on the other end of the line. Along with the cameras it’s certainly a deterrent. I’m sure word is getting round with criminals.

"Every shop should be in it, I’d definitely recommend it. With the amount it costs every year, we only need to save one item being pinched and it only takes one to make all the difference."

So far, 17 shops and businesses have put their name down to receive the Shopwatch radio equipment, which they are trained to use by police.

Businesses include Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Jack Wills, Boots, Repertoire, Steamer Trading and Marlow Toys.

Although it wasn’t prepared to release figures, Waitrose has consistently voiced its support for the initiative.

Ben Pruden, Branch Manager at Waitrose Marlow said: "It's great to be involved in the Shopwatch scheme, and to be able to work with other local businesses and the Police to help ensure a safer community in Marlow."

The drop over the Christmas period was also down to extra police patrols - dubbed Operation Greetings by Marlow officers - with police on hand to arrest any shoplifters.

Sergeant Robin Hughes said in one case Shopwatch users pooled information to help stop a pair who had stolen from four shops in town in one afternoon.

He praised the work of officers and shop staff in tackling shop thefts, which on average account for half of total town centre crime.

Sgt Hughes said: "We’ve had PCs and PCSOs out on the street and the Shopwatch users all talking to each other and to us simultaneously and it’s had a huge impact.

"In light of the success of Shopwatch, we are proactively trying to get more stores involved so we’ll be canvassing all the new business in Marlow "So far we have a good range from big places to small independents. It’s as strong as it’s membership."