Radio link-up scheme will help keep town safe

Eitan Grant - Eitan Grant • Published 3 Dec 2008 16:30

An innovative hi-tech radio link-up system is being brought to the centre of a town to help keep shoppers safe.

Johnstone retailers will now be able to communicate with each other using the latest hand-held digital device.

Fans of the scheme hope it will mean quicker response times from the police if a crime is committed and better monitoring and sharing of information.

Following last week"s series of terrifying crimes in Johnstone, businesses have rallied round to help each other fight the criminals with the latest technology.

Community cops based in Johnstone decided to set up the network which links a number outlets in the town centre with an increased police presence in our streets. Shopkeeper Shona Thomson, who owns The Pet Shop next to Houstoun Square, said: 'Hopefully this will drive out all the undesirable elements from the town centre.

'Staff and customers need to be more confident and not worried that they will get confronted on the street or robbed in shops.'

Secretary George Kennedy said: 'The link will be established between ten local shops and police foot patrols in Johnstone Town.

'This initiative was conceived by our local community police officers who continue to work very hard for our townspeople.

'Johnstone Community Council would like to thank all seven of our local councillors for their unanimous vote and continuing support.'

The Local Area Committee serving Johnstone and the Villages last night accepted a grant application made by the newly formed Johnstone Community Council to provide funding for a Town Centre Shop Radio Link.

Convener of the Johnstone and Villages Local Area Committee councillor Bruce McFee added: 'The installation of the radio link system is an extremely worthwhile scheme which will encourage people that Johnstone is a safe place in which to shop and work.

'The Local Area Committee is happy to be able to support the scheme.'

Labour councillor Neil Bibby who voted for the plan said: 'I was very happy to support the Community Council"s and Police plan to introduce a radio link system in Johnstone Town Centre.

'This will allow shops to communicate with each other and the police about troublemakers and shoplifters in the town centre area faster and easier. We have seen recently a high profile attack on a town centre shop and it is right that action was taken to do all we can to protect shopkeepers and customers.'

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This article appeared in The Gazette 03 Dec 08

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