SHOPKEEPERS in Ilminster can feel a little safer now, thanks to a new scheme set up in the town by police.

Police Community Support Officer Karen Pack has set up a Townlink Radio to various shops in Ilminster Town Centre.

The scheme enables retailers to quickly contact both the police and other shops on walkietalkies.

They can now alert each other as to incidents of shoplifting, theft and anti-social behaviour in the town.

Ilminster beat manager Andy Stuart said: “This is not a replacement for 101 or 999 but an additional tool to help reduce crime further.

“There will be regular meetings with the involved shops, and banning notices will be issued to those caught breaking the law.

“Those persons will then be banned from all shops in the scheme.”