Three shoplifters have been banned from entering stores in Watford town centre for a year.

The thieves, two men and one woman, have been told they are no longer allowed to enter premises belonging to members of Watford Business Against Crime, after a string of incidents, including anti-social behaviour.

The Exclusion Order Scheme was first introduced by WBAC earlier this year and this is the first time it has been enforced.

Pauline O’Brien, who manages WBAC, said: “The Exclusion Order Scheme is one of a whole raft of measures that businesses are now using to combat shop theft and other crime in the town centre.

“Businesses and police keep records of who the most prolific offenders are, and if the individuals concerned continue to commit crime or misbehave in the town centre, then they will be banned from all WBAC stores.”

WBAC includes the Harlequin Centre, every town centre department store, high street shops and those on nearby retail parks.

Once an individual commits three offences, they are sent a warning letter about their unacceptable behaviour. They could then be subject to a 12-month exclusion order if they continue to behave in an inappropriate manner..

Ms O'Brien added: “Businesses have had enough of putting up with shop theft and individuals intent on causing trouble in the town. Now they’re fighting back.

“Shoplifters and trouble makers are often ignorant of the powers that businesses have when they join together to deal with problems. There exists an implied permission for people to shop in stores in Watford. And that permission can and will be withdrawn if individuals continue to behave in a way that most people who visit, shop and work in Watford find unacceptable.”