BUSINESS owners will be able to fight crime via a new online scheme.

Business Watch is being launched in Totton and is a free crime prevention service run in partnership with Totton police, who will identify crime issues as they occur.

The service is accessed via an easyto- use website that members log onto and an instant messaging system.

The aim of the scheme is to reduce theft and fraud against local businesses and will go as far as to ban repeat offenders from using Totton businesses.

Jill Cleary, portfolio holder for housing and communities at New Forest District Council, said: “The Safer New Forest Partnership supports this brilliant initiative and I hope many business owners will join the scheme.

For more information contact coordinator John Greenfield at businesswatchtotton@gmail.com.