Eastbourne town centre traders have joined forces with the police to share information about criminals.

Official police pictures of known criminals will be circulated to members of the newly-formed Retail Crime Group in Eastbourne.

Some town centre stores are already part of the Shop Watch radio-link system, introduced in 1996, which allows traders to warn each other of potential offenders.

But now membership of the Retail Crime Group extends to 35 shops, with more joining as it develops.

As well as learning which suspects to be wary of, police will teach traders common crime prevention methods.

Co-ordinator Mike Pope, a retired town centre beat officer and current Sussex Community Beat Officer of the Year, said: "It represents an excellent opportunity to launch anti-theft initiatives aimed at combating and reducing retail crime."

He said exclusion orders could soon be handed out to known offenders, banning them from all stores with Retail Crime Group membership.

Eastbourne Arndale Centre manager Bill Plumridge said: "This partnership can only enhance the viability of the town centre and greatly improve the public perception of Eastbourne."

Similar groups are planned for neighbouring towns during the next few months.