Independent retailers will now find it easier to prevent crime by sharing images of shoplifters with police and other businesses.

Littoralis is integrating ‘DISC’, its secure online platform for sharing information with the local community, with Facewatch’s CCTV analytics and crime-watching systems.

Facewatch’s system already contains more than 18,000 images but this new partnership will see its library expand.

Lifestyle Express retailer Pervez Amjed, whose shop is in Rutherglen, Glasgow, welcomed the news. He said: “CCTV is a brilliant way of convicting criminals and I have used it a number of times to prosecute shoplifters.

“The new Facewatch service sounds extremely interesting and could further cut down crime in a number of areas. 

“I don’t know if it will be useful in my area as I get mostly regular customers but it could make a big difference in places where there is a much larger and more diverse footfall.”