TOWN centre businesses have welcomed additional police patrols in Evesham - though one business said systematic changes are needed to solve the problem.

A new police team specifically aimed at combatting town centre crime such as anti-social behaviour and shoplifting has been patrolling Evesham for almost a month.

It has been a welcomed new addition by all shops in town. 

Evesham is one of ten towns across the region to receive the team due to it being classed as a high problem area.

Ihtisham Ulhaq, manager of The Phone Shop on Bridge Street, said: "I welcome this new police team. 

"I have seen them walking around but it is a case of if they are there at the right time to deter shoplifting. 

"Shoplifting is quite common in Evesham unfortunately. 

"I've seen lots of incidents happen across the road at Savers. 

"The ladies that work there are often brave enough to go after them but I think more still needs to be done. 

"You have to be alert, sometimes it's kids, maybe junkies, maybe homeless but sometimes they get caught. 

"Young, old, everyone has witnessed it.

"If the police are there then it helps but systematic changes are needed. 

"The punishment does not fit the crime and serious reforms are needed.

"If they know they will get a slap on the wrist or have a roof over their head and a free meal, it does not deter them."

The new team comes as Evesham received 23 reports of shoplifting and 23 reports of anti-social behaviour in the most recent data from West Mercia Police in July.

John Clatworthy, deputy mayor of Evesham, said: "I think this new team has given residents a lot more confidence. 

"Residents say they never see police in town and only in cars driving through. 

"Well those are rapid response officers, so more foot patrols are good to see. 

"Me and Robbie (mayor of Evesham) have done a walkabout with the officers and it was great seeing them talking with residents. 

"We are in the process of setting up another one but all the shops we spoke with welcomed more patrols."

West Mercia Police have said the new team is working with shops to specifically target prolific offenders. 

SGT Duncan Eades from Evesham Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “The Evesham Town Centre Team (TCT) are on foot patrol whilst on duty working alongside shops and businesses to tackle matters specific to the town centre.

"We are committed in tackling crime that is of concern to this part of the community.

“To highlight a couple of these concerns, we are working closely with our retail partners to tackle theft from shops and having this dedicated team means we can now target those prolific offenders and individuals who buy stolen goods.

“We understand the impact anti-social behaviour can have and the TCT are committed to doing everything they can to tackle local concerns, listening to the community to know what the real issues are."