A CRIME fighting duo from Bicester have been awarded for their efforts.

Shop workers Sue Wing and Neil Maskell have helped police catch shoplifters, warned other stores to be on their guard when known criminals are around and responded to calls for help from other retailers.

Earlier this month the pair were given certificates of appreciation for their “outstanding participation within Bicester town centre, helping to deter and prevent retail crime".

They were the first awards ever presented by the Cherwell Crime Partnership, a joint initiative set up in 2009 between retailers, Thames Valley Police, Cherwell District Council and Bicester Town Council to deter and prevent shoplifting and antisocial behaviour within Bicester.

The crime partnership, which includes stores in the town centre, Bicester Avenue and Bicester Village, has the power to ban individuals from its 32 member stores for a year.

At the moment 10 people are currently excluded.

In one incident last year staff at clothing store D2 spotted Dale Rayson, 22, with a package stuffed under his clothes as he left Lloyds, in Sheep Street.

They alerted other stores and police on the storenet radio link and Rayson was arrested.

The following day Banbury magistrates jailed Rayson, of Ravencroft, Langford Village, Bicester, for six months after he admitted a charge of shoplifting.

He has also been banned from 32 shops in the town.

Mr Maskell, who works for Marks and Spencer, saidhe was surprised, but pleased to receive the award.

He said: “We have both helped out as much as we can and it has paid off.

“Having the radio in the shops it really helping.

“We can find out exactly who is doing what and who they are with. It’s a good scheme.”

Miss Wing, who works at D2, said: “It was nice to be recognised, but we don’t really do anything special we just feel it is part of our daily job.

“The radio link has been proven to be a good asset for us and stores all use them.”

Partnership co-ordinator Kym Curtis said: “They are a great example of how the partnership brings all of the retailers together to keep Bicester a safe place to live, work and shop.”

Chairman Trevor Lewis, Bicester Street Wardens’ supervisor, added: “I would like to say very well done to Neil and Sue – they continue to do fantastic work with the partnership.”