SHOPS and pubs in Richmond and Catterick have become the latest businesses to join a radio scheme to reduce crime and rowdy behaviour.

More than 20 businesses in the area are taking part in a six-week pilot scheme linked to the Pub Watch and Shop Watch programmes.

They were issued with two-way radios during a training session yesterday at the Fleece pub.

The equipment allows publicans and shop staff to warn each other about possible shoplifters or troublemakers.

The radios are also linked directly to police handsets which are monitored 24-hours a day.

It is hoped the radios will eventually be linked to the security camera control room at Catterick Garrison, allowing camera monitors to be alerted to trouble spots and incidents.

Similar schemes already operate in Northallerton, Ripon, Thirsk, Malton, Knaresborough, Whitby and Scarborough and another is under consideration for Skipton.

If the pilot scheme is successful, businesses will pay £20 a month for the radio equipment.

PC Huw Williams, of Richmondshire police, said the scheme was informal and was monitored constantly by up to four police radios.

He said businesses would be able to talk to each other to pass on information about suspicious characters or incidents.