A PROJECT to beat shop crime that was developed by Bury and Salford councils, has led to awards for the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA).

Officers from the two councils worked with trade union Usdaw and Greater Manchester Police to reduce armed robberies in retail and licensed premises by 75 per cent in Bury and 49 per cent in Salford.

The initiative is now being put in place at other authorities in Greater manchester and beyond.

Bury Council’s Health and Safety Team produced guides for retailers, which can also be used as a training document for environmental health officers, councils and the police.

In recognition of the good work, representatives of a Health and Safety Executive liaison committee recently presented AGMA with an Award for Innovation and the People’s Award.