THE first town in Kent to fully meet the stringent criteria of the Home Office's Safer Shopping Award is Dover.

News of the success is announced today by the Dover Partnership Against Crime which is made up of South East Kent Police, Dover Town Centre Management and many local shops and businesses, including the Dover Mercury.

The award is a seal of approval for the scheme which links shops and pubs by radio with the police and Dover District Council's closed-circuit television system, and has achieved several successes in arresting criminals and deterring others from committing offences.

"This is extremely important news for Dover," said Ron Dryden, who is chairman of the Dover Retail Crime Organisation which runs the scheme.

"It will send a clear message to residents and visitors that Dover is an even safer place to shop and enjoy with fine stores and good pubs.

"It should also send a clear message to would-be criminals: We've got our eyes on you, and we'll take action against you.

"For too long Dover has been used as the location from which to expect and report negative stories. This is genuinely a success story."

The award recognises towns that demonstrate a strong practical commitment to reducing retail-based crimes such as shoplifting, thefts and robbery, making it even safer for residents and visitors.

Exclusion orders are being issued to thieves which makes it difficult for them to exist in the town because they are banned from all members' shops.

Offenders reported by traders are tracked by CCTV and other members of the system so that the police can detain them.