A POLICE community service officer who set up a web-based initiative to tackle shoplifting in the Malvern Hills area has been honoured with a special award.

Lisa Freeman was given a Superintendent's Commendation at the South Worcestershire Local Policing Area Awards evening by Chief Constable David Shaw.

PCSO Freeman was commended for her motivation, hard work and determination in setting up the Facewatch scheme in the Malvern Hills area.

Facewatch allows shop owners to quickly share CCTV images of suspected shoplifters with fellow retailers.

Since it was deployed last year, Facewatch has scored a number of successes in Malvern with offenders being identified and dealt with quickly.

In October, a 36-year-old Malvern man who admitted 20 counts of theft became the first offender to be jailed as a result of Facewatch. The man's image had been shared among traders, allowing them to be on the alert against him, and uncovering a number of offences.

The citation for PCSO Freeman's award says: "From the outset, Lisa demonstrated tenacity and determination to make it succeed; she researched the system to ensure she had sufficient knowledge and she persevered and successfully negotiated an agreement with over 30 retailers to take part in the scheme.

"Initially, there were technical problems when the system was implemented, however Lisa's hard work and commitment ensured that these were resolved in a timely manner. Lisa was very flexible in her approach and was willing to change her working pattern, often at short notice, to ensure that this project was a success."

PCSO Freeman has since been asked to help set up Facewatch schemes in other areas in Warwickshire and West Mercia, and has also been asked to take part in a BBC documentary about it.

PCSO Freeman was one of a number of officers and civilian workers to be commended at the awards ceremony.

Superintendent Kevin Purcell said: "It's brilliant to see so many officers being awarded tonight. They represent the hard work and tenacity that is characteristic of officers in Worcestershire and across the alliance as a whole. I'm extremely proud of the officers and want to congratulate them on their achievements."