SHOPKEEPERS have backed proposals for private security guards to prevent crime in the town centre.

Businesses on Canvey have given plans for a new traders’ association their support, which could hire security guards to patrol Furtherwick Road.

Jeweller Harry Awidikian mooted the scheme after a masked robber with a 2ft machete robbed his shop, Gold and Diamonds, of about £15,000 worth of jewellery.

Himex Patel, who runs News For You, said: “It’s a good idea. It would be good for all businesses, even mine.

“We need security all the time.

"Boys sometimes come in and give us trouble.”

Nearby Jewellery Paradise suffered an armed robbery in 2012 and shoplifters have targeted many other independent businesses in Furtherwick Road.

Karen King, from the jewellery store, said: “It sounds a really good idea to me.

“It would prevent what happened across the road, at Gold and Diamonds.”

Steve Voby, who runs clothing shop Miss Neon, also supported the idea.

Paul Rising, owner of butchers F & J Caring & Sons, said his sister shop in Harold Hill is connected to other high street shops via an intercom system.

He added: “If there is any trouble in any of the shops it goes through to all the other shops, warning them there are thieves in the area. It’s a good scheme.”

Mr Rising said traders on the island had suggested getting security guards or cameras before, but nothing had come of it.

He backed the plan, but questioned whether all traders, including banks and chain stores such as Boots, New Look and the 99p Store, would contribute towards it.

Andy Donaldson, of pawnbrokers Trade Exchange, shared his concerns.

He added: “It’s a wonderful idea, but is everyone going to pay for it and will it work?”

The Knightswick Centre, in Furtherwick Road, already has security guards, but is still targeted by shoplifters.

Castle Point Council said it had been encouraging Canvey businesses for some time to form a trade association to promote the town centre.

Godfrey Isaacs, Tory councillor responsible for neighbourhoods and community safety, said: “I would encourage Canvey businesses to form a local trade association and to contact Essex Police, who have a watch coordinator, who would be able to provide assistance.”