Pictured are all Crime Prevention Officers (L-R) – Robert McMurran, Pete Connolly, Kathy Latcham and Victoria Thompson.

POLICE have warned shopkeepers in Belfast city centre about the threat from dissident republican firebombers, shop lifters and counterfeit cash in the run up to Christmas.

Today, the PSNI launched its Safe Shop initiative around the educating of retailers around powers and procedures in dealing with retail theft.

Current crime figures indicate that in South Belfast there has been a 5.2% increase in shoplifting.

Neighbourhood Policing Teams are in position to conduct bespoke training sessions at the retailers’ location.

For further information on the Safe Shop Scheme contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101.