Radio Watch will fight crime against traders

TWO new security measures in the town are coming to fruition.

Police sector commander Inspector Max Mosley says 17 businesses have so far signed-up for the Radio Watch scheme.

Town centre community beat officer PC Alex Sim has been canvassing traders who are being offered the opportunity to hire radio transmitter-receivers.

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The scheme has been organised by Ian Standley of Drays of Western Road. Mr Standley is Chamber of Commerce representative on the Police Community Consultative Group.

The radios will enable participating traders to pass on information instantly to their colleagues about shop-lifters and cheque and credit card fraudsters.

The base aerial for the system will be mounted on the roof of Bexhill police station.

Meanwhile, Inspector Mosley has written to all local hotels and guest houses, sending copies of a letter addressed "Dear Holidaymaker" warning of the dangers of guests leaving valuables in their rooms.

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It begins: "As the police sector commander for Bexhill, I would like to welcome you to Sussex and reassure you that you are now visiting a low crime area. However, like any other coastal destination nowadays there will always be the occasional incident which could cause distress, but which could have been prevented by sensible precautions...."

The letter says opportunist thefts happen when people drop their guard when in holiday mood.

"Police, working in partnership with Rother District Council and Bexhill Chamber of Commerce, have enjoyed a great deal of success in creating an environment where the opportunities for these types of offence are prevented."

The letter says holidaymakers can help by:

*Ensuring that their accommodation is always secured

*Not leaving valuables where an opportunist thief could take them

*Post-coding property

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*Knowing the model and serial number of valuable possessions

*Never leaving valuables unattended in a car

It adds: "Watch out for other people's property. If you see someone you are not sure of challenge them! Ask them what they are doing and if you are not happy, report the incident to the police by using 999."

Inspector Mosley told the Observer: "I am really pleased with the relationship that we have with the Chamber of Commerce.

"Not only are they dealing actively with aspects of the crime and disorder property crime group, which I chair, they are fully engaged in the Shop Watch and Radio Watch schemes.

"From memory, I think 17 people have so far signed up for Radio Watch. We need 30 for the scheme to be a success."