By Conor Sharkey

AN innovative new scheme targetting petty criminals in Strabane was launched earlier this week.

The Radio Link scheme is a joint project set up through the Strabane Chamber of Commerce, the local PSNI, Strabane Community Safety Partnership and Strabane District Policing Partnership and aims to cut retail theft and associated crime in the town centre.

Radio Link enables local shopkeepers to keep in constant contact with one another and alert each other to any criminal activity such as shoplifting, counterfeiting or credit card fraud. Police Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team will also carry a radio with them whilst on patrol, allowing important information to be relayed quicker than ever before.

To date, ten shops have signed up to the scheme, however it is hoped it will eventually be extended to bars and taxi firms.

Over the last 12 months in Strabane town, there were 204 recorded incidents of theft, 327 of criminal damage, 23 commercial burglary and nine robberies.

But those statistics should be slashed dramatically following this week's Radio Link launch, according to Chamber of Commerce spokesperson Joe Barber.

"The radiolink scheme is a huge step forward in creating a safer town centre environment. It's great to have the support of the PSNI, Strabane Community Safety Partnership, and the District Policing Partnership and it's only through this multi-agency approach that crime can be tackled. The provision of the radios will greatly improve links between businesses and will build on the framework of co-operation that already exists amongst the local businesses. It is important to get the message across that Strabane is a safe place to shop. This scheme will help to get that message out as well as acting as a deterrent to anyone with criminal or anti social intent."

Chairman of Strabane District Policing Partnership Thomas Kerrigan added: "I am delighted that the retailers of Strabane are working with the PSNI and Strabane Community Safety Partnership to help keep Strabane a safer and better place to work, shop and visit. Together with our partners, the DPP is determined to do all it can to reduce crime in our District."

Urging more businesses to get involved, Joe Barber added: "We would urge all traders to join up to the scheme as the more businesses we have in the scheme the more effective a tool it becomes. We are always looking for new members and I would encourage anyone who is interested to get in touch.

If you would like to know more about the Radio Scheme, contact any of the following contacts - Caroline Hill/Alan McWhirter, PSNI on 0845 600 8000; Strabane Chamber of Commerce on 028 7138 4920; Vanessa Russell, DPP Manager on 028 7138 1333; Catherine Collins, CSP Co-ordinator on 028 71 382204