MORE businesses and shops in Wantage are being urged to sign up to a radio system to crack down on shoplifters.

The appeal came as police revealed the Storenet system helped catch a shoplifter at Sainsbury’s last week.

Staff detained a man who was becoming violent as the system alerted the police.

A 34-year-old was arrested on suspicion of assault and bailed until June 11.

Several businesses have already signed up, including Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Fatface.

The radio system allows shops to be linked to each other and to the police. Members can alert each other to criminals or suspicious activity in the area.

Anabel Sheppard, station duty officer at Wantage police station, said: “As every minute counts, it will give us a better chance of catching criminals.”