Town centre safer as radio system tunes in

A specialised radio system which passes information between pubs and clubs is making Cannock town centre a safer place.

Nitenet allows the quick transfer of information between premises and helps businesses keep track of anyone in the town who may be vulnerable or at risk of committing a criminal offence. The radios are linked into the town's CCTV operators so any situation can be quickly monitored. Local police are also connected to the system to ensure officers are on hand, if needed.

Sgt Jason Dorrington, who is leading the campaign, said: "The new system is being readily used by businesses in the town centre.

"We're all working towards a common goal, to ensure Cannock is an even safer and enjoyable place to visit.

"Recently the system proved really useful when a group of young people had gathered in St Luke's churchyard close to the town centre where police assistance was needed.

"Staff from the U-Bar responded quickly and used the technology and their training to support officers to quickly and peacefully diffuse a disagreement."

All town centre licensed premises are now using this technology.

Doug Wilkinson, chairman of Cannock Pubwatch, said: "There is a real element of teamwork here within the town centre. "Communication is of paramount importance so that the CCTV and local police can co-ordinate a measured response to any incident."

The Nitenet scheme is part of a crackdown on drunken yobs in Cannock by Staffordshire Police.

The National Town Centre Violence Campaign has stumped up £25,000 to help banish alcohol-fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour from town centres and the initiative is also being trialled in Rugeley.

Staffordshire Police are being supported by licensees, restaurant staff and taxi companies, who are working together to improve their service and seek ways of preventing problems such as under-age drinking, anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and assaults.

Sgt Dorrington, Chase Division's night-time economy project manager, said: "Public safety is at the heart of this initiative."