COMPANIES in Cricklade have teamed up with the local police in a new scheme to help reduce crime in the town.

Cricklade Business Watch has already produced results within two months of being set up.

As soon as an offence is made known to the police, the details are emailed to owners of local firms who can then keep an eye out for anyone fitting the description.

The direct electronic link paid off after a burglar who stole thousands of pounds worth of assorted meats from out-buildings of the Vale Hotel was caught.

The products were distinctive as there are only sold wholesale. A man has been arrested for the thefts and the property recovered.

Cricklade Business Association chairman Bob Jones came up with the idea after a meeting with the town's police.

He said: "I think this scheme is pretty unique. I had not heard about anything like it before and nor had the police.

"We have plans to develop it further, perhaps get some funding to promote it to other businesses.

"We are quick to criticise the police but, at the end of the day, if they are short of resources then we should be helping them.

And Inspector Mark Levitt said he was delighted the Business Watch is proving to be a success.

He said: "We can circulate information very quickly by email and we are hoping this will help us further increase our detection rates.

"And there is a real willingness from the businesses to work in partnership with us."

Insp Levitt said community support has already played a part in reducing the town's crime rate.

There has been a six per cent reduction in the number of reported crimes for this time last year. And the detection rate is up to 30 per cent compared to 15 per cent last year.

"We have a lot of dedicated officers but a lot of the success has resulted from information from members of the public," he said.

"We work very hard with the community with each beat officer having been assigned a certain area."

Bhavani Vadde