A SHOP owner is urging retailers in the town to set up a warning system and stop criminals targeting them.

Karen Clarke, who owns Just for Men barbers in Trinity Street, Hal- stead, said she has had enough of crooks scaring the townspeople.

Burglars targeted a High Street shop earlier this month, stealing copper and lead, while Connor Sexton was jailed for 28 months for a robbery at the Original Factory Shop and a burglary at John Winter Drake jewellers last month.

Mrs Clarke, pictured , said: “People are saying they are scared to leave their homes, but why?

“I love Halstead, it’s the friendly village-like atmosphere. It’s about making businesses aware that things do happen in this town but we should not be afraid of it.

“Let’s stand up against all of this and let them know we are not fright- ened.”

Businesses on Trinity Road have made a pact to visit each other regarding suspicious behaviour.

Mrs Clarke wants to see this rolled out across all shops in the town.

She said: “We talk about anything that could be detrimental to our businesses, whether it’s a burglary or damage.

“Even if it’s just a case of having next door’s phone number, just to warn people.

“I’ve thrown people out of my shop before.”

Jonathan Lidster, former chairman of Halstead Town Team, said the group had been looking to get walkie-talkies for all shops, but this was not financially viable for all.

He had also tried to introduce a cascade phoning system, where shop- keepers can contact others in case of emergency.

Mr Lidster said: “At the time when I first became chairman, crime wasn’t a major issue for Halstead, particularly the retailers.

“This year there has been an increase in crime on the High Street, with various shops being targeted.

“We were looking into walkie-talkies or mobile phones, but it worked out at an astronomical cost.

“The town does have a Chamber of Commerce and security should be a component of that.

“A type of retail consortium is a great idea.

“There is no reason why the chamber cannot consider hosting an event on crime prevention.”