Following a presentation by Special Constable Tom Hardy, of Honiton Community Policing Team, regarding the potential benefits of an early warning shop alerting system, utilising the WhatsApp mobile phone app, the Honiton Chamber Committee agreed unanimously to support the venture.

Members will organise and administer the Honiton ShopWatch group. A document has been prepared, which is to be completed by all participants and includes a code of conduct set out by Constable Hardy.

Chair of Honiton Chamber Committee, Paul Fudge said: "It is hoped that as many retail premises as possible will join to act as a crime prevention tool, as well as early warning system.

"Premises on the High Street have already been asked to join and forms have been delivered for completion.

"New Street premises will be visited next week, commencing Sept 14 and the ShopWatch group is hoped to be up and running by the end of September.

"An additional preventative measure will be the use of a clearly marked window decal warning would be "ne'er do wells" of the futility of committing crime or nuisance in Honiton.

There is no cost involved in the system and as unlike previous alerting groups there will be no need for passing information down the line as all members of the group will receive individual alerts at the same time and without delay."

Should you wish to join the Honiton ShopWatch Group and have not yet been visited please send your details by email to [email protected], or fill out the form linked here.