TRADERS in South Woodford have been urged to sign up to an innovative early warning system in a bid to tackle a huge rise in shoplifting in the area.

Businesses in George Lane have been hit by a 64 per cent increase in thefts during the past 12 months, with some stores losing hundreds of pounds worth of stock each week.

Kerk Davies, of South Woodford Business Partnership, blamed the rise on the economic downturn, but said shopkeepers could fight back by joining a specially designed radio alert network which enables them to call for help, or send out warnings, when thieves are in the area.

He said: “Shoplifting is costing businesses a lot of money at a time when they can least afford it.

“Several shops are already part of the alert network, and have a box on their premises which they can use to call for help from other businesses nearby, or warn them to be on their guard.

“The system works well, but would be much more effective with far more businesses involved.

“Many shops use the council’s Redback warning scheme - but the difference with this system is that you get help from neighbouring businesses immediately.

“I initially set this system up a few years ago but the council wouldn’t help us fund it. If enough people demand it they may make some money available.”

Emma Madeley, manager of Allen’s Pharmacy, said the system has given her and her staff more confidence to confront shoplifters.

She said: “We lose hundreds of pounds worth of cosmetics a year to thieves, but we have taken steps to deal with this, including singing up to this system.

“Churchills estate agents up the road are part of the scheme too, and we know that when we press the button some lads from there will come and help us.

“It’s good to have that kind of reassurance and I would encourage other businesses to get connected to this too.”

PC Anton Brown, of Church End Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: "Shoplifting in George Lane has gone up by 64 per cent this year.

"This is probably down to more reporting from shops in the area because we've been encouraging them to do so."