OCEAN Hair Salon is just one of a number of businesses in Bolton which has taken advantage of a Shop Watch Grant administered by the Business Security Initiative Team of Bolton Metro.

Established in Chorley Old Road for 10 years, owner Elaine Ashcroft decided to take action when the business became the victim of crime earlier this year.

Using the maximum grant available, Elaine introduced eight security measures, both internal and external.

Elaine and other business owners on Chorley Old Road are members of a Business Watch Scheme organised by Mary Harrison, Divisional Watch Scheme Administrator of Greater Manchester Police.

Mary said of the scheme: "The Watch Scheme in Chorley Old Road has been established for 12 months.

"Businesses have decided to work together with police and the council to combat crime and disorder in their area. Fraud, Theft and Vandalism, and the additional cost of security to combat them leave businesses with a bill somewhere between £5 billion and £10b each year. Meetings are held to discuss policing issues, one of these being underage drinking. Representatives of the council, police and local church also attend, providing information and supporting schemes aimed at tackling those issues."

A number of other schemes are also set to benefit businesses in this area. It is hoped that a bid to the Home Office Round for CCTV will be successful, providing coverage for over 120 shops, A Radio Link scheme is to be piloted before Christmas.

With the implementation of these schemes, businesses will be able to respond instantly and collectively to any incidents.

If you would like further details of any of these schemes, please contact the Business Security Initiative Team on 01204 336140. Elaine Ashcroft who has taken up the crime initiative