Police and businesses have hailed a new 'More-watch' radio scheme after it helped to seize a moped being ridden dangerously in the town centre.
The radio network is designed to improve communication between businesses and Lancashire Police, and has already led to the seizure of a moped and action against its rider within days of being introduced.
Earlier this month, a local business used the More-Watch network to report the moped being ridden within the pedestrianised area of Morecambe Promenade – an area where vehicles should not be operating.
The information was immediately relayed through the radio system, enabling officers to respond quickly.
"On Tuesday we were told via the radio of a moped on the pedestrian area of the prom, this is not an area ANY vehicle should be accessing," said PC Katie Foster of Lancashire Police.
"This bike was seized and the driver dealt with for a number of driving offences. This is thanks to the More-watch scheme and the working relationship between the radio users and the police."
The incident is being highlighted as an example of the benefits that can be achieved when local businesses, community partners and police work together to tackle issues affecting the town centre.
The scheme was introduced by Morecambe BID (Business Improvement District) and its Safe Morecambe initiative, and provides businesses with direct communication channels to report incidents, share intelligence and alert partners to emerging issues in real time.
Tim Barbary, chairman of Safe Morecambe, said: "The successful launch of the More-Watch radio scheme has already demonstrated the real value of businesses, the police and our community working together. In this case, a vigilant shop owner used the radio network to immediately alert police to suspicious activity, allowing officers to respond quickly and apprehend the individual within minutes.
"This is exactly why the scheme was introduced – to provide instant communication, improve intelligence sharing, and help create a safer environment for businesses, residents and visitors. The rapid arrest highlights the effectiveness of the partnership between local businesses and Lancashire Police, and we are delighted to see such positive results so soon after the scheme’s launch.
"I would like to thank all the businesses who have embraced the More-Watch scheme and the officers who continue to support it. Together, we are making Morecambe a safer place to live, work and visit."
More-Watch forms part of the wider Safe Morecambe initiative, which brings together businesses, Lancashire Police and community partners to reduce crime, tackle anti-social behaviour and improve safety across Morecambe town centre.
The scheme enables participating businesses to communicate quickly and effectively with one another and with police, helping to improve intelligence sharing and support a safer environment for businesses, residents and visitors alike.
More-Watch also supports Morecambe's evening and nighttime economy through its connection with the town's PubWatch network, meaning the scheme operates both day and night. This enables licensed venues, hospitality businesses and daytime traders to share information, report incidents and work alongside Lancashire Police to help keep the town safe around the clock.
Businesses interested in finding out more about the More-Watch network or the wider Safe Morecambe initiative can contact Morecambe BID.
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