STORENET has been reinstated in Millets after staff worries were highlighted by the Beacon.

Last week we told how the head offices of Peacocks and Millets in Monnow Street had removed their Storenet systems to save costs.

But the concerns of workers in Monmouth have persuaded one store at least to give it another try.

Louise Lawrence from Millets Loss Control said: "Costs are important to all retail companies in the present climate and we cut costs via some of our radio schemes.

"We have however reviewed the importance of the radio at the Monmouth store and have decided to reinstate the radio at this store."

Millets assistant manager Jack was delighted. "It's really good to have back," he said.

The re-establishment is a small victory for Monmouth Community Support Officers (CSO) who are working closely with the 10 high street stores on the program.

The initiative is just one part of the CSOs' aim to tackle unsociable behaviour and encourage crime prevention.

Dan Osgood, a Monmouth CSO since November 2011, is very clear on the methods and ethos of the division.

This includes engaging and integrating with the community.

"I've spent the majority of my time out on the street," Dan said.

"We get to know local people, criminals and local shop keepers.

"You can get a fair amount of intel just by having a cup of tea with people."

The tell-tale fluorescent uniform of a CSO can be seen strolling the streets of Monmouth on a daily basis, a clear and visible presence in the town.

Monmouth's main crime issues revolve around spates of shoplifting and farm thefts, both of which have been dramatically reduced by CSO initiatives.

Consistent rural patrols during the day and at night, in both marked and unmarked cars, and foot patrols within the town, have kept security visibility high and crime levels low.

Although disappointed in the closure of the Monmouth police front desk last year, Dan feels it's the CSOs consistent proximity that the community like.

"I was a fan of the shop front desk, it's a shame it had to be closed," said Dan.

"But we're out and about in the town, we are doing police surgeries, people should see us and know that we're there. We encourage people to come talk to us."

Other initiatives that tackle rural theft around Monmouthshire include the Online Watch Link (OWL) a neighbourhood-watch type scheme which encompasses 20,000 households throughout Gwent and links them directly to the police to allow quick distribution of information en masse.

Since the CCTV was reinstated in Monnow Street in April this year, Monmouth has become increasingly secure and well-attended, almost too much so according to Dan.

"Monmouth is a lovely place and a nice place to work. It's very quiet on the crime front."