POLICE and traders today warned shoplifters threatening Dorchester over Christmas: 'Steer clear, we are not a soft touch.'

They are taking a united stand against crooks as the town centre suffers an increase in crime at the start of the festive season.

Now vigilant storekeepers are fighting back with a warning that they will step up security and use their crimebusting RadioLink to nail shoplifters.

Richard Green, who co-ordinates RadioLink with Matthew Callaghan, said: "Dorchester is not an easy target.

"The RadioLink has come in very useful to track and catch shoplifters.

"We also get good intelligence from security guards who work across Dorset and in Yeovil.

"They know the faces to look out for."

Traders vowed to fight back against shoplifters despite the town losing out on CCTV cameras to Weymouth and Bridport.

Their battle cry comes after police and security guards scored recent successes against crooks.

On Wednesday, police stopped a suspicious looking man in South Street and found he had shoplifted goods from Goulds.

He also admitted four other thefts during the week. Somerfield security guards also caught a man near Waitrose after he attempted to walk out of their supermarket with a trolley of goods.

Sgt Malcolm Davenport, of Dorchester police, said: "Dorchester is not a soft touch.

"Although recognised crime in the town centre has risen, all agencies are working together in an effort to reduce opportunities for crime and to detect offenders."

Shoppers have also been warned to keep watch on purses and handbags, and not leave purchased goods unattended in cars.

Mr Green, of Double Drive Computers, and Mr Callaghan of Marks and Spencer, run the link with 17 other members.

Assistants can radio for help and circulate descriptions of shoplifters and lost children on the link.

But police can also listen in and car parking attendants on the network can report suspicious characters and vehicles.

David Evans, from Dorchester Chamber of Commerce, said: "The RadioLink is brilliant.

"It helps catch offenders, but it also helps security in shops, especially where someone may be in a store alone."

RadioLink secretary Andy Owen, from Goulds, said: "The Radio Link has been very successful."

Boots manager Garwyn Morris, Millets boss Ken Homer and staff at WH Smith, Superdrug, Waitrose and Argos also praised the scheme.

Anyone with information about town centre crime or suspicious characters is urged to call Dorchester police on (01305) 251212.