A RADIO link is being launched in Haslingden to give shopkeepers better security.

The scheme has been hailed a success in other areas of Rossendale where it has led to arrests and a reduction in shoplifting.

For a small initial outlay, shops are linked by a radio system to other businesses and to the police.

Grants from the Action for Haslingden Challenge Fund mean businesses can reclaim 25 per cent of the one-off £299 charge for the equipment. Shops also have the option to borrow the machines for a trial period.

PC Denise Barlow, crime prevention officer, said: "We've implemented the community radio link in all the larger towns of the borough and it has given tremendous benefits to all involved.

"It is a great way to pass intelligence from one store to all the others and also directly to us, just by sending one coded message on the terminal. "While we have seen plenty of arrests of shoplifters, we have also seen a big reduction in people's fear of crime.

"That's partly because we can be mobilised quickly, subject to the availability of officers, but also because other shopkeepers will come and help if there is a problem.

"There is no doubt we are reducing crime and businesses are saving money, but we are also increasing a sense of community spirit."

A measure which operates in tandem with the radio link is the tracking of known shoplifters.

If one enters the premises of a store in the scheme then other businesses can be alerted via the radio.

The only other cost of the scheme is a share in the £140 annual licence fee to use the radio frequency.

Businesses wanting to know more can contact PC Barlow on 01706 237406.

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