Retail staff carrying panic alarms as shoplifting rises

Shoplifters are caught red-handed in Dumfries and Galloway more than any other place in Scotland, according to the region's police chief.

- MARC MCLEAN

The reoffending rate of these petty criminals is also the best in the country, says Chief Superintendent Steven Meikle.

He attended the council's police, fire and rescue subcommittee earlier this month, and was quizzed on how police are handling various crimes, from drug dealing and road traffic offences to theft.

Nith Councillor David Slater asked the police chief: "One question is on the situation regarding shoplifting numbers that are happening within our town of Dumfries and wider region.

"As this is a rising situation across the country and some police forces regard it as a lower concern, many shopkeepers and staff are frightened about this rise.

"Shop staff in some areas are having to carry panic alarms on them. I just wonder what your thoughts are on that."