Watford businesses celebrate new crime fighting internet site (From Watford Observer)

Watford businesses celebrate new crime fighting internet site

3:43pm Tuesday 23rd February 2010 in

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A new crime fighting website will help in the battle against shop-lifting, drunkenness and antisocial behaviour, its backers have claimed.

The Watford Safer Business intranet site, launched this week, will allow shops, hotels, pubs and clubs to instantly share information about regular trouble makers.

The site, created by the Watford Business Against Crime (WBAC) group, allows businesses across the town to discreetly share photographs, information and crime fighting advice.

Noel Moriarty, manager of Clas Ohlson at the Harelquin, explained how the site, jointly funded by businesses, the police, and borough council, will become a regular part of his day.

He said: “I think it is a great idea. Checking the site for updates will be part of my morning routine as it is important for my staff to know who they should be looking out for.”

Pauline O’Brian, who runs the WBAC group, said the site was a great improvement on the previous system of leafleting and word of mouth.

She said: “Someone stealing from one of the shops in Watford could now be featured on the site before they have had a chance to put down their shopping bags.

“Sharing information between businesses has always been key to trying to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour. This site gives us the ability to share that information more quickly.”