MORE Bury traders are being encouraged to "tune in" to a successful radio link which could help drastically cut crime this Christmas.

Since the radio link security system was introduced in Bury town centre shops and stores, it has been instrumental in the arrest of shoplifters and troublemakers.

And at a special presentation held at the Mill Gate centre on Tuesday, traders yet to sign up to the scheme were given an insight into its benefits.

Under the initiative, traders are given a two-way radio which can be used to warn other shops and stores about shoplifters or to alert them to possible trouble.

The system is monitored by Mill Gate security personnel and township police officers patrolling the town centre now have their own radio to link them into the scheme.

Now, with late Thursday openings and Sunday trading beckoning during the run-up to Christmas, Bury Chamber of Trade president Fred Bowen is anxious radio link is extended.

"We have a minimum of 30 business taking part in the scheme already and that figure is growing," he says.

"We've managed to encourage shops at the Woodfields Retail Park to use it and we're now trying to spread the message to traders at Moorgate."

Mr Bowen is hopeful that ultimately, 100 shops and stores will sign up to the system.

It was originally introduced by the Chamber on a trial basis after securing a cash grant from the local Community Safety Strategy group. Extra closed circuit TV cameras earmarked for Mill Gate and the surrounding area will eventually complement the radio link and throw a ring of steel around the town centre.

He is hopeful if cash is found to employ around six town centre wardens, they too will be brought into the radio link scheme.

Backing this latest security measure is Insp Jane Antrobus whose township officers patrol the busy area.

Recently, PC John Baron harnessed the radio link to arrest shoplifters who had stolen from three Mill Gate stores.

And the same system also resulted in the arrest of a youth who had stolen a handbag.

Insp Antrobus said: "The beauty of the radio link is that it's immediate. We get the information as an incident is happening. Other stop staff and security staff are alerted.

"If it involves suspicious people, accurate descriptions can be provided quickly. It means incidents being stopped and criminals arrested."

She went on: "I think it's an excellent idea and the shops which have had a success with it agree likewise."

At Tuesday's meeting, traders heard about the success of radio link as well as details surrounding police presence in the town centre during the festive period.

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