Traders unite to fight rural crime

By eseymour

A NEW scheme aimed at fighting crime and protecting rural businesses in the Weald, was launched this week.

The Weald Business Crime Reduction Network is the first of its kind in a rural area, Kent, to use state-of-the-art radios to combat anti-social behaviour.

Currently operating in Cranbrook, Hawkhurst, Goudhurst and Sissinghurst, businesses have been given the broadband-based wireless technology to allow them to contact local police, CCTV operators and each other in emergencies.

Cranbrook police Sgt Ray Masters said: "Shop safe networks in urban areas are highly successful. It is bringing people together and for rural areas that is more relevant because they are more isolated."

The project cost in the region of £30,000 and was funded by Kent Police and Neighbourhood Watch.

It began to take shape about a year ago and will join 15 others in 32 towns and shopping centres throughout the county.

Project manager for Partnership and Crime Reduction at Kent Police Alan Dann said: "The police in the Weald saw what was going on in the rest of the county and thought the villages and small towns in this area would be ideally suited.

"It is not just for daytime business but for nighttime. It is not just a radio, it is more than that, it is a properly managed partnership between businesses, with photograph sharing and information sharing."

If the scheme is successful it may be expanded into other villages in the Weald, such as Lamberhurst.

Geoff Crouch, chairman of the board of members, owns Alldays in Cranbrook – one of four businesses involved in the partnership at this stage.

He said: "We are open until 9.30pm and have an element in Cranbrook who are on the street at that time of night.

"My staff will be much more protected because they will have access to the police through the normal channels and they can contact other business in the town and the CCTV centre for assistance."

The group will be canvassing other businesses in Cranbrook and the three villages to encourage them to join the scheme, which costs them £5 a week.

If you are interested in joining the partnership telephone Pc David Hume on 07870 252949, Mr Crouch on 01580 714410, John Maxwell-Jones on 01580 211206 or Ian Florey on 01580 712826.