A "SHOPWATCH" scheme is likely to be introduced in Upton-upon-Severn to protect the town's businesses.

PC Mark Taylor, beat manager for Upton, announced that he wanted to introduce the scheme at a meeting of the Tourism and Trade Association's executive committee on Monday night (November 5).

It would involve a network of telephone contacts between Upton's shops, which would be triggered as soon as anyone behind the counter notices anything suspicious.

Each shopkeeper would have special forms to hand, enabling them to quickly record descriptions and circulate them around neighbouring shops.

This procedure would also provide the police with a "first description", which would help with identification in the event of a prosecution.

"It will make traders feel a bit more secure," said PC Taylor, "I think it can be done at very little or no cost."

The inspiration for the scheme was a theft from an Upton antiques shop in August when two men escaped with a diamond ring worth £1,000.

The pair had spent some time wandering around the town centre before carrying out the theft. PC Taylor felt their chances of success would have been greatly reduced if traders had been able to warn each other of their presence.

The idea received an enthusiastic reception from traders at the meeting.

"I think it's a very good idea," said Anne Manning, of David Manning Jewellers.

"We've been doing something like that in jewellers' shops in the area for some time."

PC Taylor said he wanted the new strategy to follow the pattern of the successful "Pubwatch" scheme set up by his predecessor, PC Dilip Sarkar.

PC Taylor said he would call a meeting of businesses in Upton as soon as possible to try and get the scheme underway. He hopes to have it up and running by Christmas.