KEIGHLEY traders have added their voices to praise for the town’s crime-busting exclusion zone.

Companies in the Airedale Shopping Centre say the trailblazing initiative has slashed crime and anti-social behaviour.

Shop bosses say the scheme – which bans persistent offenders from the town centre – gives them more power to tackle shoplifting.

Several traders say there are now less “undesirables” invading shops or gathering near the bus station.

The traders were responding to a request for comments from the Airedale centre as the exclusion zone celebrated its first anniversary.

The Keighley News last month reported on the success of the scheme, which involves persistent thieves and troublemakers being barred from dozens of shops across the town centre.

Exclusion notices have now been served against 15 people, and shoplifting incidents have gone down from 20 a week to 13 in a fortnight.

Prolific shoplifters barred from Keighley stores are heading for other less-protected towns.

And supermarkets, petrol stations and retail parks on the outskirts of Keighley have been clamouring to join the scheme.

In the latest survey, Clinton Cards, Dorothy Perkins and Burtons all revealed that shoplifting had gone down since the exclusion zone began.

Clothing shop Bon Marche said staff were now able to recognise shoplifters and quickly deal with potential threats.

A spokesman said: “It gives us peace of mind and a great sense of security knowing troublemakers will be excluded.”

WH Smith agreed that staff confidence had improved due to being part of a network of shops, and receiving support in banning offenders.

A spokesman for videogame shop Game said: “The store has enjoyed a period of stability and low customer thefts.

“This can only be attributed to the hard work and diligence of the local police teams and the security staff at the Airedale Centre.”