BUSINESSES on a new shopping park have been given new radios by police to help them keep tabs on suspected criminals in the area.

Members of Bishop Auckland Neighbourhood Policing Team have given radios to all the new shops at the St Helen Auckland retail park as part of the Shopwatch scheme.

Sergeant Jayne Burdess said there are 19 radios which will enable the shops to speak instantly and directly to police officers as part of a crackdown on shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.

The radios have been bought by a group of organisations, including Durham County Council, the police and the Safer Durham Partnership.

Sgt Burdess said: “There is actually very little crime or anti-social behaviour here and we want to keep it that way.

“Now we are all in touch with other so will know instantly if there are any problems in this area.”

The eventual aim is to have all the radios linked up with similar schemes in Bishop Auckland Town Centre and Shildon.

PC Rob Smith, beat officer for West Auckland, said: “Criminals should know they are being watched and are not welcome in our shops.”