A new security system in in Blackbird Leys, Oxford, is helping shopkeepers to stop crime.

Paul Whitman and Susan Brown with the radios

The city council's Shop Watch radio network will give all shopkeepers in Blackbird Leys Greater Leys and Barns Road the ability to communicate with each other and warn of possible dangers.

The council's executive member for crime, Susan Brown, officially launched the Shop Watch scheme at Delteys Supermarket, in Blackbird Leys.

The radio network is not linked to the police, but can be used to give shopkeepers advanced warning of potential incidents.

Delteys was the first shop in the area to install the radio communications equipment.

Staff used it soon after it was introduced to stop a purchase with a forged note.

Delteys manager Paul Whitman said: "When one of my staff on the checkout suspected someone was trying to make a purchase with a forged note, she was able to use the radio system to call for support.

"Before Shop Watch, staff in difficult situations had to choose between tackling a person alone or leaving the checkout to get more support.

"When Shop Watch is in all local shops, we will use the radios to warn all shops about people who are acting suspiciously."