The security alert system for Harrogate businesses launched by Harrogate Chamber of Trade & Commerce in conjunction with North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Trading Standards has proved to be very popular. The latest information on local business-related crime problems is being sent by e-mail to all member businesses. These Security Alerts are compiled by the Chamber Secretariat based on intelligence from the North Yorkshire Police Western Area Watch Co-ordinator, P.C. John McPartlan and North Yorkshire Trading Standards, headed by David Sayer.

Entitled "Business Watch", this scheme is modelled on the successful Pub Watch, Farm Watch and Neighbourhood Watch schemes that operate through the Ringmaster telephone system. Instead of using these automated telephone systems, the new Business Watch alerts are circulated by e-mail, thereby providing almost instant circulation coupled with an easily printed record of crime problems for reference by local business management and staff.

Businesses participating in the scheme are supplied with a self-adhesive window sticker to display on their doors or windows, similar to the Neighbourhood Watch signs. 

Brian Dunsby, Chief Executive of the Chamber who devised the scheme, says, "This e-mail alert will draw attention to recent criminal activities so that local businesses can take the necessary precautions to protect their business assets and premises". The scheme is also be used to circulate warnings from North Yorkshire Trading Standards.

The North Yorkshire Western Area Watch Co-ordinator P.C. John McPartlan has approved the Business Watch Scheme which helps him with the dissemination of relevant information and helpful tips for local businesses. John said "This is a good initiative which raises awareness in the ‘fight’ against crime."

Archive copies of Business Watch Security Alerts as PDF files can be accessed via links below.

Please contact the Chamber Secretariat with information on security concerns for businesses so we can pass on the relevant information to our members.