Honiton Chamber of Commerce have launched the ShopWatch WhatsApp Group, which acts as an early warning system for businesses in the Honiton area.

Shops and hospitality venues will be alerted of any unacceptable behaviour by individuals or groups.

This may range from theft, or attempted theft, damage to property or drunkenness and threats of violence.

Unlike previous systems where a chain of phone calls had to be made, or radios had to be purchased, WhatsApp is free and instant.

When one member of the group feels it necessary to send out a warning, all members will receive the message immediately.

A spokesperson for Honiton Chamber of Commerce said: "The idea was promoted by Constable Tom Hardy, of the local community policing team in Honiton.

"The group can not be run by the police and so Tom approached the Chamber of Commerce and invited them to take up the project, an idea he had already begun to promote in the town.

"It must be stressed that this is in no way a method of reporting matters to the police you must report via 101 for a non emergency and 999 or 112 for emergencies.

"Although most retailers have been visited twice to arrange joining the group and signing their agreement to the code of conduct, there are still some forms to be collected.

"We will get around to adding those few in the near future."