Shoplifters and petty criminals in Merton are to be under increased surveillance as part of plans to step up CCTV operations and create new radio link schemes within the business community.

The proposals, revealed in the borough's CCTV action plan for the next two years, should dramatically reduce the numbers of thefts and could mean the CCTV network will be extended to areas not previously covered by the scheme including Wimbledon Village, Raynes Park town centre and industrial estates.

Although the borough has already benefited from Government funding for its existing schemes in Wimbledon, Mitcham and Morden town centres, Merton Council has earmarked more areas for possible future investment.

The council has been involved in talks about CCTV with businesses in Wimbledon Village in the past, but traders say it always proved too expensive to install and manage. They now hope more funding will be available in the near future so they can get a scheme up and running.

John Richardson, chairman of the Wimbledon Village Business Association, said: "Last time Merton Council talked to us they said it was going to cost £30,000 and they were going to ask us to pay half, which was impossible for us to do. If they want to give us CCTV then that's great.

"Whether it warrants the cost is a matter for the Government and Merton Council."

Work is also under way on town centre radio link schemes in Mitcham, Pollards Hill, Colliers Wood, South Wimbledon and Raynes Park, which will provide links with the council, police and the business community.

Its aim is to combat shoplifting and theft by circulating images of persistent offenders and sharing information allowing shop owners to alert each other when a known criminal is in the area.

Merton Partnership Against Crime, which combines the forces of Merton Council, police, magistrates courts, the probation service and the health authority, hopes the link will kick-start regeneration by bringing business communities together.

Council leader Councillor Andrew Judge said: "We are delighted with the success of CCTV in cutting crime and are continuing to work in partnership with the police to introduce future crime prevention measures."

May 30, 2003 15:30