A CRIME-BUSTING radio scheme to link traders with the police could be launched in Padiham to tackle shoplifters.

Scheme shops and businesses in the town will be linked by a radio system, allowing them to contact one another and warn about potential thieves.

Police will also have access to the scheme.

Community radio schemes already operate in Burnley and Rossendale where they have been hailed as a great success in the fight against crime, helping to slash shoplifting in town centres.

The Burnley scheme was launched in November 1994 and run through the town's closed circuit television control room. More than 50 businesses are involved.

As well as preventing crime, including shoplifting and vandalism, the network also helps with re-uniting lost children with their families and can alert emergency services in cases of sudden illness.

A meeting between community leaders and police is set to be held in the next few weeks to discuss the possibility of introducing the scheme in Padiham, although funding could prove to be a stumbling block.

Mayor of Padiham Granville Lord said: "We are in the very early stages of the proposal at the moment, although if we could get the scheme for the town it would be a very welcome tool in helping to combat shoplifting and other crimes.

"It has worked well in Burnley and other areas and we will have to look at how we can fund a scheme for Padiham."