Prisoners are helping to fight crime at an Oxford charity shop.

Inmates from Springhill Open Prison, near Bicester, have deterred thieves who plagued Marie Curie Cancer Care in London Road, Headington.

Last year, the Oxford Mail revealed London Road shops were targeted by shoplifting gangs.

Traders are still struggling to fight thieves and robbers, but Cherie Cook, Marie Curie manageress, said the prisoners' presence was enough to protect her stock.

She said: "Thieves come in, see the lads, and go back out again.

"I've not had any problems since they have been here. Obviously they can't get involved in throwing someone out.

"They're out of prison on licence and I wouldn't want to put that at risk, but their presence is a deterrent. One of them was a professional bodybuilder."

"I let them take the money to the bank and I've never had a shortage in the till since they have been here.

"If I was an employer at a big supermarket and someone asked for a job who had been to prison I would give them a job."

One of the inmates, who asked not to be named, said: "If I saw any trouble I would call the police. I can't get involved because I'm allowed out of the prison on licence.

"Little old ladies might be worried thieves will hit them, but we're younger and more confident."

Other London Road traders have experienced continued problems. On Tuesday (February 3) the Bristol & West bank was robbed, and last year Budgens Express was robbed at gunpoint.

Kamal Mamoun, Budgens' deputy manager, said: "We have constant problems with vandalism and shoplifters."

Mr Mamoun said he was working with a security firm to decide if the supermarket should get a full-time store detective.

Jodie Morley, 22, a sales assistant at WH Smith said: "Two weeks ago thieves smashed through the door and took about £3,000 worth of cigarettes.

"I think it's because there isn't much surveillance. The city centre has CCTV but Headington doesn't."

Anne Whittle, of Holland & Barrett, said: "You have to have eyes in the back of your head. There are always shoplifters here. When you call the police you have to wait days, and even weeks before you get a response."

Michael Ponting, Headington Business Association chairman, praised Headington beat officer Pc John Brown.

Mr Ponting said: "Crime is an ongoing problem. Pc Brown comes to our meetings and is helpful."

Oxford police spokesman Lucy Ferguson admitted efforts to tackle antisocial youths on city estates had diverted police attention from Headington.

She said two dedicated officers work in Headington, and the force was planning to employ more. She said Pc Brown had started a Shopwatch scheme, linking traders through a radio system.