A POLICE radio scheme linking businesses in a town centre has chalked up a successful arrest for shoplifting.

Many stores in The Broadway, Loughton, have now signed up to the town link scheme which allows shopkeepers to contact each other and the police directly with radios if they see any criminal activity.

The scheme was responsible for the recent arrest of Scott Davey, 33, of Paley Gardens, in Loughton, who appeared at Harlow Magistrates Court last Monday, May 24, charged with three counts of theft and one of attempted theft.

The town link project is part-funded by the Epping Forest Safer Communities Partnership and 11 Broadway shops have so far signed up to take part in it.

PCSO Louise Coverney said: “We have already made a successful arrest due to the quick-time of the information and this should let people know that they will be caught if they come here to commit crimes.”