FIRMS in Dunkirk have proved they mean business when it comes to providing a safe, trouble-free environment for their staff, customers and visitors.
They have joined forces with Community Action Team PC Damien John to form a Business Watch (BW) for the area - a scheme which sees premises work with police to reduce crime.
PC John said: 'BW works in a similar way to Home Watch, whereby businesses look out for each other and pass information between themselves and us.
'At the same time, we'll feed information we have to companies to make them aware of problems which might help reduce crime.
'It's a two-way process with a common aim - to reduce crime. There will be regular meetings between the businesses, police and other agencies.'
He said a 'vital part' of BW was the ring-round system, in which firms have a list of all members' phone numbers and, if they see anyone acting suspiciously, they pass on the information to their colleagues.
PC John has already signed up scores of businesses from the Chester Gates Business Park in Dunkirk Lea. And he hopes to get all companies in Mollington, Dunkirk and Backford involved.
BW stickers in participating premises help to reassure staff and visitors, and warn offenders there are eyes and ears everywhere watching them.
PC John can be contacted on 0845 458 6394. To report crime, telephone 0845 458 0000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
