POLICE have organised a Business Watch Scheme to prevent crime in Pendle.

The West Craven Business Watch (WCBW) scheme was set up by the local Neighbourhood Policing Team in November last year after several incidents of suspicious activity and theft from the main industrial estates in the West Craven area.

It now has twenty-eight members covering the Crownest and Ravenscroft Way Industrial Estate, Ouzledale Foundry and Long Ing Mill sites, but is appealing for more members to join the crime fight.

Community Beat Manager PC Mark Hyde said: "Initially the aim of the scheme was to make members aware of basic security measures to prevent further incidents and provide a system where any information could be disseminated quickly between members and the police and vice versa.

"This is now being done mainly by email, with each member having the other group members on their system. If anyone sees something suspicious, that information can quickly be passed between members and to the police.

He added: "Each member has been provided with forms that make it easier to record any incidents they feel are of note, which will make it easier for police to make follow up enquiries. The forms may also be used in evidence should anyone be arrested."

The Police and Business Watch members are seeing whether security and CCTV can be improved and funding opportunities to help the work.

PC Hyde said: "Offenders may travel from one site to another between towns, so it is important to ensure every employee of each member business is aware they can make a difference.

"I urge would-be business-watchers to join the scheme by contacting me at Barnoldswick police station on 01282 472834."