BY HELEN WHITE

TOTALLY Stockport is employing private security guards in Stockport town centre. The safety and security of everyone who works in, lives in or visits Stockport town centre is a priority and remains at the top of the Totally Stockport agenda.

The BID team is intent on attracting more people on a more regular basis to drive success for the business community – whether they are longestablished, new to the town or considering opening a business here.

Security guards are now patrolling the areas outside of Merseyway, including Redrock, Princes St, Mersey Square, Peel Centre, Underbanks and the Market Place.

During this time, they can be contacted through the Storenet Radio system.

The Security guards will also be patrolling in the evening so that people taking advantage of the bars, restaurants and leisure facilities will feel even more secure.

The Storenet Radio scheme links shops and security with the BID area and is a valuable tool against crime. For instance, BID Levy paying businesses can report the whereabouts and movements of shoplifters and people causing public disorder.

It costs just £6 a week and, from April 1, Totally Stockport will be funding 50 per cent of this, reducing the cost to you to just £3 a week.

Business Watch is an initiative operating in Stockport town centre in a similar way to a neighbourhood watch scheme – where business owners and the local police team work together to prevent issues.

Town centre wide CCTV and Storenet Radio have already contributed to dealing with, and in some cases preventing, petty crime.

By getting involved with Business Watch, businesses will have the opportunity to find out how you can help to reduce crime and help to tackle crime and disorder

Along with the Business Watch scheme and Storenet Radio, Totally Stockport is working closely with Greater Manchester Police.

To find out more about how your business can benefit from Storenet Radio and Business Watch contact paul.taylor@ totallystockport.co.uk or call 244 9896.