A TOTAL of 44 people are banned from various shops and businesses around St Albans city centre under a scheme which aims to fight crime. St Albans Business Against Crime (SABAC) was launched in 2006 to protect businesses from shoplifting and anti-social b

A TOTAL of 44 people are banned from various shops and businesses around St Albans city centre under a scheme which aims to fight crime.

St Albans Business Against Crime (SABAC) was launched in 2006 to protect businesses from shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.

Exclusion notices can be served by the police on individuals for a number of reasons and not only are they then banned from the scene of their unacceptable behaviour, but all of the SABAC members' premises.

The Maltings, which is a member of the scheme, said that police statistics showed shoplifting throughout the city decreased by 28 per cent last year when compared to 2007.

Phil Corrigan, the centre manager, said: "The local community and visitors to the city deserve to have a pleasant and relaxing shopping environment. We are extremely proud to be involved with SABAC and delighted that the hard work that everyone has put into the project is paying off."

SABAC will also be launching in Marshalswick and London Colney shortly.