PACT will help keep staff safe (From Barry And District News)

PACT will help keep staff safe

BARRY shoppers lent their support to a scheme which will help safeguard shopworkers from abusive customers.

They signed a petition run by the co-ordinators of PACT - Preventing Anti-social Crime Together - when they set up a stall on Holton Road last week.

Police officers and members of the PACT committee were on hand to give shoppers advice and information on the scheme, which businesses, retailers and transport companies in the Barry area can sign up to.

All those participating will share information on and photos of people who they have banned from their premises for causing trouble or shoplifting.

Anyone who is banned from a shop will then be issued with an exclusion notice banning them from all shops participating in the PACT scheme.

Areas where similar partnerships have been formed have seen an increase in shoppers and profits, and a decrease in theft and anti-social behaviour.

And the scheme seemed to go down well with people out and about on Holton Road.

Former shopworker Howard John Padfield, of Powys View, said: "I think it is a great idea. I remember working in a shop and the public would take advantage."

Dorothy Luen, of Dock View Road, said: "If it helps it is a good idea."

Jane Weldon lives off Holton Road. She said: "Workers have the right to a safe environment. I hope this initiative will help to make it safer to work."

Eve Hunt from the Bassett area said: "If someone is abusive to staff then I think the shops have every right to ban them."

South Wales Fire Service was also on hand on the day to give people advice on keeping safe in their homes.

Fireman Rob Salter said: "It is really important for people to check their fire alarms each week.

"We are offering free fire alarms and free fitting to householders. For further information call 0800 3281830."

* Any businesses interested in joining the PACT partnership can contact co-ordinator PCSO Rhiannon Harris on 07970 736885 for further details.