The community must get behind the police says Mr Ozanne

Andrew Ozanne, the head of Crimestoppers in the island, said the local community must play a part in helping to make a change.

He said retailers should not be intimidated by a recent series of knifepoint robberies in St Peter Port.

Mr Ozanne also expressed his sympathy over a local shop owner's decision to close because of her fears of crime.

'Bigger picture'

Mr Ozanne was speaking following Karen Greening's decision to close New Grange Stores in St Peter Port after owning it for just four months, because she feared she may be a target for criminals.

"What sort of community do we want to live in?" he asked.

"When the community decides it won't tolerate this sort of behaviour, it will stop."

"We have to look at the bigger picture. We have to give the police our support."