We've had enough: retailers fight back

Under the Cityprom initiative a person banned from one store would be prohibited from all other businesses signed up to the agreement.

The crackdown measure comes after heightened concern from businesses about shoplifting, burglaries and anti-social behaviour in the Launceston CBD.

‘‘It could be one of the most powerful tools we have,’’ Cityprom executive officer Vanessa Cahoon said on Thursday.

The proposal has the backing of Tasmania Police, who have called for a community wide response to the problem.

‘‘It’s part of the action been taken by business in taking on people who steal from their business,’’ Launceston uniform Inspector Mick Johnston said.

‘‘It’s really a proactive response by the business community.’’

Wanted Streetware owner Luke Dawson fully supports the measure, saying the ability to have 15 or more businesses ban a person is a strong deterrent.

Mr Dawson has seen how businesses working together can get results.

As reported last year in The Examiner, Mr Dawson runs a private social media site allowing business owners to share information about shoplifters and undesirables.

Being able to share information in real-time on Launceston Retail Watch had been   ‘‘extremely useful’’.

The Facebook group has 120 members, is a hub of activity among retailers and is monitored by police for intelligence purposes.

Mr Dawson formed the group in response to a shoplifting problem that  he said was worsening and attracting more organised groups.

‘‘I think it’s being fuelled by people wanting to get cash rather than the product ... and sell it to fund their habit,’’ he said.

An apparent increasing problem with crystallised methamphetamine abuse in Launceston has been linked to a 65 per cent rise in business burglaries in the North which on Wednesday saw a dramatic ram raid.

Police are still hunting a number of offenders alleged to have driven a stolen car into Youngtown’s Southside Supermarket and  to have burgled several other stores.

A 16-year-old male has been charged in relation to the incidents.