TOWN centre publicans and traders have strengthened their resolve to stamp out crime in Radcliffe.

Their partnership with police and the local authority has already helped reduce crime and anti-social behaviour through security cameras in the town.

To complement the CCTV system, the Store-net and Nite-Net radio schemes have now been officially launched. Pubs and shop are now in direct radio contact with each other and with Bury Council's CCTV control room, making it easier to pass on information and camera operators can be asked to zoom in on and record people acting suspiciously.

Inspector John Higson, of Radcliffe police, said: "Although the scheme has been in operation for only two weeks, we have seen the benefits of businesses working together to beat criminals.

"In one very recent case, a well-known shoplifter was seen to enter one of the shops. He quickly left when he realised he had been spotted by the staff. His movements were then passed on to other members of the scheme, via the radio system, and he was also monitored by the CCTV cameras. Each time he entered a shop, he was greeted by the staff."

Susan Stockall, chairman of the Radcliffe Traders Association, has welcomed the introduction of the radio systems and believes they will help make the town centre safety for all users. She said: "Traders and publicans want old and young alike to come into Radcliffe and feel safe. Now that we have the radio link up and running and, complemented by the CCTV cameras, we are achieving this aim. We are now all in constant touch with each other and the control room and we can summon help quickly when the need arises."