Shops in Halstead might set up a scheme similar to Pub Watch to help prevent suspicious activity.

At the most recent Halstead Town Team meeting in October, it was suggested that if someone notices suspicious activity around their shop, the information can be cascaded to all the stores in the area, warning them of the incident.

The scheme would be similar to Pub Watch, where landlords text each other if they are having trouble with rowdy pub goers or if anyone gets banned.

Chairman of the team, Gilly Ryan, who is also landlord of The Griffin, in Parsonage Street, Halstead, said: “It’s something that you hope you will never have to use but is sensible to have just in case you do need it.

“It is just an idea at the moment which will be discussed at our next open forum event in January.

“The shops in Halstead is like an extended family and this will help to make everyone feel secure.

“If someone is being a nuisance, or a shopowner thinks they have stolen something, they will be able to tell all the other shops in the town so they can be careful.”

Piccadilly the Sweet Shop owner, Nick Shaw, said the scheme was needed.

“I think it is a good idea,” he said.

“The Esso garage across the road had its window smashed on Thursday night.

“There are always things going on, although I haven’t had many incidents recently.”

Mr Shaw has previously had issues with people trying to break into his shop and added he is considered by the impact the planned closure of the police station in Halstead could have on crime in the town.

**The open forum event will take place on January 14 at the Bull Inn, in Halstead.

The theme will be Ideas – Make It Happen and will feature the top five ideas from retailers about improving the town.

Retailers will then be invited to the meeting to discuss how to take these forward.