A TEESSIDE industrial estate has been warned to prepare for an increase in crime, unless bosses vote in favour of forming the first Business Improvement District (BID) in the region.

Tenants of the Cowpen Estate, in Billingham, will be balloted next month to see if they are prepared to pay an extra three per cent on their non-domestic rates to continue improving security, including security cameras, safety and the image of the estate.

Stockton's crime prevention officer, Detective Constable Eddie Lincoln, says a "no" vote would inevitably lead to increased vandalism and theft.

Statistics show that BIDs have reduced crime nationally by 30 per cent.

Although the Cowpen estate has the lowest crime rate in the borough, a survey revealed security and safety continues to be a major concern of the 100 tenants.

"The existing CCTV cameras and the business-to-business pub watch-style security links have generated a massive reduction," said Det Con Lincoln. "But the cameras won't last for ever. Unless they are eventually replaced, there is no doubt that crime will rise."

Mike Devereux, chairman of Cowpen Industrial Association, said: "If the individual companies vote in favour of becoming a BID, we'll generate in excess of £50,000 each year to provide an even more comprehensive package of security measures and improvements.

"At the moment, the running costs of our security systems are shared by the industrial association - in other words, a disproportionate number of companies on the estate. Yet everyone shares the benefits. A BID would ensure that everyone contributes three per cent more equitably in relation to their rates."

Tenants will receive an eight-minute DVD with their ballot papers. It outlines the history of BIDs, the benefits and what will happen if security is neglected.

The DVD, funded by the Government Office for the North-East, includes aerial footage of the area.

The project is a partnership between the association and Stockton Borough Council.

"The film covers all the issues and leaves the decision down to the tenants," said Mr. Devereux. "Everyone on the estate has a vote, and I hope the outcome is positive."