A NEW Business Watch scheme for Churchfields industrial estate is being launched this week, to combat the threat of criminal activity in the area.

The scheme, similar to Neighbourhood Watch, uses a network of volunteers from businesses on the estate to feed back information about any crime or suspicious activity to the police.

Local businesses, Wiltshire police and the Churchfields Business Action Group hope that, by working together in this scheme, they can help to prevent crime, increase levels of reporting crime and reduce the costs that theft and vandalism bring.

The Wiltshire Police and Salisbury district council-funded scheme has already had an effect on the estate, with eye-catching signs going up to warn potential criminals that Business Watch is operating.

All businesses are invited to get involved in the scheme and will be provided with window stickers and crime advice.

Neil Philpott, chairman of the action group, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for people on the estate to work together to protect our businesses.

"A lot of us have been affected one way or another and the costs and disruption of crime, however small, can be devastating.

"This is a positive way to show we are on the case and are fighting back."

Salisbury police officers have been pounding Churchfield's pavements and have already visited each individual business to discuss the scheme.

Inspector Kevin Hagger, of Salisbury Police, said: "Through the introduction of this scheme, I see an opportunity for local businesses to become directly involved in the protection not only of their own business, but also those of their neighbours.

"I look forward to working closely with the Churchfields Business Action Group to improve overall security and reduce crime, and to identify further initiatives to assist in making Churchfields industrial estate a safer place to work and run a business."

All businesses on the estate are being invited to attend a meeting in April to discuss the new scheme and the potential for other crime measures, such as CCTV.

Councillor Margaret Peach, deputy portfolio holder for planning and economic development, said: "This is a very welcome and timely scheme, following recent press coverage of thefts on Churchfields.

"I hope Business Watch works to prevent crime and shows that, by working together, businesses, Wiltshire police and the council can achieve a safer and better business environment."