Officials at the launch of Business Watch.BUSINESSES on Salisbury's Churchfields industrial estate have joined forces to deliver a "We are watching you message" to criminals.

Business Watch, which is similar to Neighbourhood Watch, has been launched on the industrial estate.

Volunteers from the estate band together to keep a closer eye on activities there.

They will feed to the police information about any crime or suspicious activity.

To make sure the criminals know they are being watched, 14 Business Watch signs have been erected around the estate.

The scheme is funded by Salisbury district council and Wiltshire police and all local businesses on the estate have been urged to get involved.

Those that do will be provided with stickers and crime advice.

Paul Gower, managing director of Salisbury Glass Centre, said: "The problems we've been experiencing on the estate have been widely reported.

"The best way to combat this is by all working together as businesses and working closely with the police.

"I'm delighted that the police and the district council have helped us to put this in place and I hope all businesses on the estate become involved in Business Watch."

At the launch were the district council's deputy portfolio holder for planning and economic development, Margaret Peach, Inspector Kevin Hagger, of Wiltshire police, WPC Wendy Mason and police community officers Louise Dugan and Steph Rendell.

Insp Hagger said: "Hopefully this scheme will see local businesses actively becoming involved in the protection not only of their own businesses, but also of their neighbours."