PEOPLE caught shoplifting in Fishguard and Goodwick face being banned from local shops, thanks to the launch of a new community project.

The Steal and Be Banned (SABB) scheme was recently launched in the twin towns to protect businesses from criminals and their owners from the upset of being targeted by thieves.

PCSO Carwyn Phillips said: “The SABB scheme is an effective and robust approach to combat shoplifting in Fishguard and Goodwick.

“It brings together the business community giving them an active role in helping prevent shoplifting and catch shoplifters.”

So far 22 businesses in Fishguard and Goodwick have signed up as members of the SABB scheme, and they are required to display posters in their windows to promote their membership.

Together they will form a SABB committee, which will decide if someone should be banned from all member stores after they have been convicted in court or been issued with a fixed penalty notice or a caution from the police.

In cases where people have been charged by the police and released on bail pending a court appearance, they will not be made subject of a banning order unless they are convicted. People also have the right to appeal the order.

The scheme is supported by Fishguard and Goodwick Chamber of Trade and Tourism.

A spokesman said: “We welcome this initiative to discourage anyone who thinks it is alright to steal from shops. These are small local businesses serving our community and those who enjoy coming here as visitors, and it is good that our retailers are working together to protect each other against this damaging criminal activity.

“While there are few cases locally compared with larger towns we look forward to a reduction in shoplifting in our twin towns.”