A "SHOPWATCH" scheme which allows Newent shopkeepers to alert each other to the presence of suspicious characters is to be re-launched.

Russ Green, chairman of the Newent and North Forest Crime Reduction Action Team, said the scheme needed to bring all the town's businesses on board.

Under the scheme, shopkeepers who spot shop-lifters or receive forged notes set off a "cascade" of telephone calls alerting other firms in town.

Mr Green explained that since it was launched four years ago, the initiative had worked well, resulting in several convictions.

However, many businesses in the town had changed or moved away, and he is keen to make sure as many newcomers as possible sign up.

The date of the re-launch will be decided at the team's next meeting in March, but more details are available from Mr Green on 01531 830571.