04.11.05 CEC launch BUSINESS Watch
Businesses in Harlow are joining forces to launch a new crime prevention initiative - Business Watch.The Greenway Business Centre, run by Capital Enterprise Centres (CEC), brought together Centre tenants and neighbouring businesses to form the core of the new Business Watch.
Working with the local Harlow police the businesses developed a plan to enable neighbouring companies to watch out for each other and support police crime prevention efforts.
Harlow Business Watch is now looking to recruit new members and hopes a network can be formed to cover all local businesses.
Greenway Business Centre manager Lorraine King said that the group had found that with many common concerns it just made good business sense to work in partnership.
Lorraine said: We aim to deter both vandals and petty opportunistic criminals by providing a heightened awareness of the problems they can cause and by ensuring that we watch out for any warning signs and inform the police promptly.
We also have to keep in mind the more serious professional criminal and ensure that the right level of security is in place to deter, supported by measures such as CCTV which can also provide evidence for prosecutions if crimes are committed.
Harlow Business Watch will not be giving details of the security steps that members will be asked to undertake but aim to meet the best practice standards recommended by the police.
Already more than 8 businesses have signed up for the Group and others are expected to join shortly.
Inspector Steve Pearce from Harlow police said: There has been a good initial response from firms and we will be encouraging local businesses through Business Watch to work more closely and regularly with our officers.
We support strongly the Business Watch initiative and will be giving the group continuing advice and help.
If your business would like to join Business Watch contact the Greenway Business Centre Manager on 01279 408100.