Caterham station joins anti-crime network

Caterham's town centre Shopwatch scheme has recruited the railway station

Thieves have been warned they will be unable to make a getaway by train from a Surrey town centre after the railway station joined its anti-crime scheme.

Caterham station has joined the Shopwatch system already operated by a network of retailers in the town.

Shopwatch links traders by two-way radio, allowing them to alert each other to criminal or suspicious activity in any of the shops.

The radio is also linked to Surrey Police's safer neighbourhood team.

Officers are able to respond quickly when offences are reported.

"Criminals should be aware they will not make a quick getaway using public transport," said Surrey police community support officer Vicky Seymour.

Insp Elaine Burtenshaw said Shopwatch was a significant tool to help combat theft from shops.

"The latest addition of Caterham railway station will bolster our defences against travelling criminals who specifically target our hardworking retailers," she said.