BUSINESSES across the town centre will benefit from new state-of-the-art radios as of this week.

Andover BID will officially launch its new digital radio system, available to those who have asked to join the scheme, at midday tomorrow (Wednesday).

The radios are offered free of charge to BID members, with 40 businesses across the town centre having signed up to the scheme so far.

It is hoped that the radios will help to tackle crime in the town centre. They will be used not only to catch criminals but also to prevent theft before it happens by increasing vigilance.

Shopkeepers will be able to warn other participating town centre businesses when they spot anything suspicious.

Andover BID describes the launch of the new technology as “a great first step in the fight against crime”.

BID manager Steve Godwin added: “It is fantastic that so many BID members have already taken up the option for a FREE radio including retailers, pubs, bars and restaurants, and providing this to our members offers them a considerable financial saving as well as helping to reduce crime in the town.”

Shopsafe, the company that produces the radios, will have a technology van in the town centre from midday to 2pm tomorrow.

Businesses are invited to receive their radio and undertake some basic user training.