Firms fight back against crime in Tong (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Firms fight back against crime in Tong

10:20am Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Business By Marc Meneaud

FORCE Police and traders gather to reinforce the message that criminal and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated

Businesses on a Bradford trading estate are fighting back against criminals, following a spate of thefts and anti-social behaviour.

Shoplifters and thieves stealing metal and diesel have struck at Weaverthorpe Road trading estate, Bradford, in the past few months.

There has also been anti-social behaviour caused by people trespassing at the business park, off Tong Street.

To combat the problems, police have joined forces with shopkeepers and managers to launch a Business Watch scheme.

Debra Newby, a PCSO with Tong and Wyke Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), who has organised the scheme, said: “Trespassing and metal theft, for instance, were of particular concern with a number of instances where items had been taken from vehicles or equipment removed used for food deliveries.

“By implementing the Business Watch on Weaverthorpe Road we can put a stop to this by being each others the eyes and ears.”

PCSO Newby said there had already been “significant” interest.

Retailers such as Superdrug and Iceland, Wynsors world of Shoes and Gala Bingo, which all have outlets at Weaverthorpe Road have already joined the project.

Haulage company Farsley Transport, Pet City and LC Vehicle Hire are also backing the Business Watch scheme.

They held an initial meeting with police last week. Deborah Lister, manager at Pet City, said: “The idea is that, if we all team together, we can all help each other. If there is a problem at the business park, with known criminals or shoplifters, we can contact the next shop along and let them know to look out for these people.”

Andrew Foster, depot manager at LC Vehicle Hire, said the business joined after being approached by PCSO Newby. He said: “We held a meeting to discuss the problems we are having and what we can do to stop them. If we are all talking to each other and explaining what issues we are having, we should be able to come up with some solutions.”

PCSO Newby said three other firms in the area had also expressed an interest in joining the scheme.

She said: “During our meeting last week, we also spoke to the retailers and managers about the importance of informing the police of any incidents or suspicious activity.

“The local Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator was also able to offer their expertise to the group.”

The group’s next meeting will be on Thursday, March 8.

Visit the NPT Facebook site at facebook.com/tongandwykenpt.