RIBBLE Valley MP Nigel Evans, has called for greater protections for shops and shopkeepers, which, he says, are vulnerable victims of crime.

He has secured a debate on the prevention of crime in small businesses which will be held on Monday .

He says the cost of retail crime is spiralling out of control and last year topped £2.4 billion.

"Within the Ribble Valley, small businesses are a vital part of our way of life," said Mr Evans, who owns a retail business started by his grandfather 70 years ago.

"With 2,000 incidents of crime a day hitting small business it is vital that the Government does more to protect them."