BUSINESSES in Ipswich have a new tool to combat town centre crime – a book full of safety links and a list of convicted shoplifters.The "Ipswich File" is being distributed throughout the town centre to members of Ipswich Partnership, Pub Watch, Club Watch and to Town Radio Link users.

BUSINESSES in Ipswich have a new tool to combat town centre crime – a book full of safety links and a list of convicted shoplifters.

The "Ipswich File" is being distributed throughout the town centre to members of Ipswich Partnership, Pub Watch, Club Watch and to Town Radio Link users.

It contains business information as well as details of various schemes including Night Safe (an initiative to tackle late-night crime), a radiolink used by pubs and clubs, and the Retail Crime Offenders List – a file on convicted shoplifters.

PC John Burch, community beat officer for central Ipswich, said: "We believe this is a first in East Anglia – one file providing a quality source of information for businesses in the town. With vital information available in an easy to use file, with regular updates, this help us to continue to combat retail crime in the town."

PC Steve Hudson, a community beat officer for the same area, added: "With the increase in leisure venues in Ipswich, it has been important that we all work together to tackle crime and the fear of crime. The new book brings all the crime reduction initiatives together and in so doing, ensures greater ease of maintaining latest information."

John Stebbings, Ipswich Partnership's town centre manager, said the file would be regularly updated as new schemes were developed and was vital for businesses operating in the town. "It shows how the Ipswich Partnership is in a unique position to pull everyone together to improve Ipswich town centre. If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact us on 01473 433334."

The file has been produced with cash from the Suffolk Constabulary Police Authority Partnership fund, Ipswich Borough Council, Pub Watch, Club Watch and the Ipswich Partnership – co-ordinators of the project.