David Ruffley MP has today called on Bury St Edmunds police to issue retailers in the town with photographs of repeat shoplifters to help them prevent theft form their stores.

Local retailers used to be issued with photographs of repeat offenders as part of the Shopwatch scheme which ceased to exist over a year ago.

However, some local shop owners and managers are frustrated that the police no longer provide them with photographs of the criminals that pose a threat to their livelihoods.

David Ruffley has this week obtained the criteria by which the police can issue photographs of offenders to retailers and he is calling on the police to begin issuing mug shots immediately. David said:

'Local shop owners and managers are frustrated and rightly so. These shoplifting criminals pose a threat to local businesses. Staff need to be aware of who the repeat shoplifters in the town are.

'Retailers are already faced with a difficult economic climate and they could do without the added threat of theft from their stores."