Police officers in Aberystwyth are taking part in a week-long campaign to tackle shop crime and protect retail staff from violence, abuse and intimidation.

Dyfed-Powys Police announced that officers and partners would visit businesses across the town during national Safer Business Action Week to discuss the difficulties faced by shopkeepers and employees.

The Aberystwyth neighbourhood policing and prevention team was scheduled to attend the town centre on Wednesday, 11 November, with a further public event planned for Friday.

Residents, traders and employees are invited to meet officers at the Marks & Spencer café in Aberystwyth at 11am on Friday, 13 November.

The informal 'Tea with NPPT' session will give people an opportunity to raise concerns and speak directly to their local policing team.

The national campaign involves joint patrols, targeted action against repeat offenders and practical crime prevention work, although police have not announced specific local arrests or enforcement results.

Four organisations are joining forces for this year's initiative: the National Business Crime Centre, Association of Convenience Stores, retail workers' union Usdaw and the Retail Trust.

The partnership aims to draw attention to the risks faced by employees working in shops and other businesses, while encouraging stronger cooperation between retailers and police.

Superintendent Lisa Maslen, from the National Business Crime Centre, said the week offered an opportunity to highlight the challenges facing businesses and recognise partnership work taking place across the country.

She said joint efforts by police, local authorities and businesses could help reduce harm and improve safety for workers and shoppers.

Last year's national action week resulted in more than 1,100 arrests.

The initiative also gives officers the chance to learn about concerns directly from people working in Aberystwyth's retail sector.