Police presence on a crime-hit village street is to be stepped up in a bid to stem a rising tide of attacks on businesses.

During the last 12 months, shops in Towngate, Wyke, have suffered three armed robberies and been plagued by thieves and vandals.

Shopkeepers in the area were so concerned they launched a petition for extra policing and gathered 1,500 signatures.

Now, after a meeting with campaign organiser Tanvir Khan, Odsal police community safety officer Inspector Paul Jeffrey has agreed to increase police presence on the street and set up a local 'businesswatch' scheme to discuss security issues.

Inspector Jeffrey said: "I have taken the concerns of local shopkeepers on board and have agreed to step up the visible police presence on Towngate.

"In addition I want to set up a businesswatch scheme to bring local retailers together and look at ways of identifying good practice in terms of security.

"Crime is not just an issue for the police - businesses need to work together, too."

He said the installation of CCTV cameras on Towngate would depend on bids for the next round of challenge funding from the Government.

Campaign organiser Mr Khan had a lucky escape earlier this year when his shop was targeted by a masked gunman.

The raider threatened to shoot him but fortunately the gun failed to go off.

He said: "I appreciate the police cannot be here 24 hours a day, but increasing police visibility will be a help. CCTV cameras would be the ideal answer but that all depends on funding."

One local businessman, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisals from thieves, welcomed the setting up of a businesswatch scheme.

He said: "The more people we can get to join forces the better. We are not just talking about small offences, we are talking about major crimes such as armed robbery."

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