Congleton Local Policing Unit officers were out in force speaking with local businesses about retail crime this week.

On Tuesday 24 September coppers visited shops, cafes, and pubs along with the designing out crime officers and North West Regional Crime Unit officers to talk about crime prevention, fraud and reporting crime.

Each business visited received an information pack on how to report crime and how to use Nice Investigate, which is an online tool which makes it easier for people to send CCTV to police so officers can progress with their enquiries into a crime.

Nice investigate enables digital evidence to be requested, submitted and shared where necessary. The purpose of sharing via this digital evidence portal is to ensure crimes are investigated efficiently and our communities feel safe.

Congleton Town Council, NWROCU, Congleton Beat Team and designing out crime officer in the town centre ready for the day of action.

Nice Investigate also reduces the need for evidence to be shared via physical media (such as discs and USB sticks). The process is intended to reduce the likelihood of lost physical media and offers businesses a secure, efficient way of sharing digital evidence.

Sgt James Bell said: "Nice is vital for retail crime such as shoplifting and theft, especially now we have the use of facial recognition technology which increases the chance of identifying an offender.

"We wanted to take the opportunity to speak with our local business owners to help them improve their own security and to show them how easy it is to report a crime and send valuable evidence so that we can investigate their crime, identify the suspect and bring them to justice.

Click the 'play' button above to watch a YouTube video on the subject. (Image - Congleton Police)

"If we've not been to you yet, don't worry, we are planning to visit as many as possible over the coming months, especially in the run up to Christmas, to provide the information packs and help you secure your business. And if you are unfortunate and need our help, you know that we are here for you and have the tools and expertise to investigate your crime."

Congleton Town Mayor, Cllr Kay Wesley said: "The town council fully supports our local police in their efforts to enhance crime prevention and protect our community. I encourage all business owners, especially shopkeepers, to take advantage of this opportunity and feel confident in reporting crime, knowing they have the full backing of the police.

"By working together, we can create a safer environment for both residents and local businesses, sending a clear message that crime will not go unchecked in our town."

You can report crime by calling 101 or going to www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us/ . If you are in danger or a crime is taking place call 999.

Congleton Police Station, of Market Square, is just a short walk from the high street. (Image - Congleton Nub News)

A YouTube video related to this story can be watched on this link, or by clicking the 'play' button at the top of the article.