Retailers in the north-east’s biggest community have arranged a security summit following a series of alleged break-ins.
A number of premises in Peterhead town centre have been targeted in recent months. And now, Rediscover Peterhead, business owners, police and the Aberdeenshire Retail Crime (ARC) scheme will gather for a meeting next to discuss security measures.
An invite sent out for the gathering also includes advice on the methods used by shoplifters, what action to take if someone is caught stealing from a store and how best retailers can deploy security cameras.
Businesses based in the town centre were targeted during a string of apparent break-ins in recent months.
More than £1,000 of products and a charity collection tin were allegedly taken from a salon on Rose Street in November. A 25-year-old man was subsequently charged in connection with the theft.
A poppy collection tin was allegedly stolen from WH Smith on Marischal Street. John Paul McCormick appeared in court in connection with the incident and made no plea or declaration.
The incidents led to calls for action, with retailers launching a petition demanding a CCTV system to cover the town, a response which Rediscover Peterhead is examining.
Iain Sutherland owns a gift shop on Marischal Street and is also the manager of Rediscover Peterhead.
He feels the gathering of local business leaders is a good chance to find the best way to improve the situation in the town.
Mr Sutherland said: “The meeting is organised by the community wardens.
“We are hoping for a community police officer to attend to discuss business premises security issues.
“Rediscover Peterhead supports the ARC initiative and we are working with the police and Aberdeenshire Council to deliver a town centre CCTV system.”
Officers will also be at the meeting to provide security advice to shopkeepers.
Local Inspector Martin Macdougall said they have already held talks focused on appropriate security measures.
He said: “Following recent incidents in Peterhead town centre, our dedicated community PCs visited retailers to provide advice on how to deter thieves and protect customers, staff and stock.
“It is not always just bad luck that one business suffers crime – having preventive measures in the first place can ensure that a thief will either give up, move on or be caught.”
The meeting will take place at the Palace Hotel in Peterhead on February 5 at 6.15pm.
