Workington Neighbourhood Policing Team are holding a drop-in session as part of Business Crime Week, while also launching a new scheme.

The October 18 event takes place at 4 Steelman’s Walk in Workington town centre.

Local officers, partners and businesses are invited to discuss matters surrounding crime, disorder, and anti-social behaviour.

During the week, the team will also launch Scheme Link, a central point for local businesses, police and partners to share data and communicate effectively in an effort to curb crime.

The scheme has been funded for a year by Allerdale Community Safety Partnership.

Local businesses in Workington will be urged to join Scheme Link and plans are underway to implement the scheme in Maryport and Keswick in the following week and Cockermouth before December.

Sergeant Scott Adams said: “The scheme will enable members to warn each other about suspicious behaviour and the presence of known shoplifters in the town centre, and it will also enable staff in bars, pubs and clubs to communicate with each other via radio and advise each other of any ongoing or potential incidents.

“By launching this scheme we hope to enhance working in partnership with local businesses to ensure Workington is a safer place for all, by identifying those involved in incidents of anti-social behaviour and crime and bringing them to justice.”

Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, said: “The Police do everything within their power to reduce crime in the county, but it is a community effort.

“Joining this scheme will put businesses in contact with one another and police to help reduce low-level crimes that may affect them.

“This is a really useful scheme, and I would encourage all businesses eligible to sign up for it.

“I would also urge anyone who has any issues to go along to the drop-in in Workington to raise any issues and concerns they may have.

“Together we can keep Cumbria safe.”