BUSINESSES and traders in a North Yorkshire town are joining forces to fight crime using e-mail.

Harrogate Chamber of Trade and Commerce, in partnership with North Yorkshire Police, has launched a security alert system.

Business Watch will operate on similar lines to the successful Neighbourhood Watch, Farm Watch and Pub Watch schemes.

The business community will alert colleagues about latest crime trends using e-mail.

Brian Dunsby, chief executive of the chamber, said the latest information on any business-related crime will be sent to all member businesses.

The latest security alerts will be based on intelligence from the police western area co-ordinator, Constable John McPartlan.

Mr Dunsby said: "It will provide almost instant circulation, coupled with a printed record of crime problems for reference by local business management and staff."

Businesses taking part are being supplied with window stickers featuring a police officer and two business partners.

PC McPartlan said: "This is a good initiative which raises awareness in the fight against crime."

Mr Dunsby said the scheme would help business people take the necessary precautions to protect their assets and premises.

"The new business watch sign displayed on premises will discourage intending criminals by showing that management and staff are alert to their activities."