Research shows crime has a devastating effect on small businesses, costing the economy a staggering £9 billion a year – but 36 per cent of business believe reporting it does no good.

Police say businesses are suffering from shoplifting, burglary, vandalism and anti-social behaviour at the hands of the same repeat offenders.

Now shops, garages, pubs and other businesses have signed up to an information-sharing agreement to track offenders, a scheme it is hoped will sharply increase the odds of catching them.

Chairman of West Yorkshire Police Authority, Mark Burns-Williamson, spoke at the launch of the project, which is led by development agency Wakefield First.

He said: “When the business community and police work in partnership it can reduce crime and the fear of crime for our communities. I am pleased to support an initiative that can now link all business crime reduction groups across the district.”

The free project, funded by Wakefield’s Local Area Agreement, allows the victims of crime to report and circulate information about known offenders.

Businesses can also join area watch groups as part of the scheme, which offer support and advice on security, insurance and surveillance through its website at www.crimeseen.org

Margaret Wood, chairman of Wakefield First, said: “First recognises the economic burden crime has on businesses which can lead to closures and job losses, which is why launching this innovative information-sharing partnership has been a key priority for First.”

For more information, contact 01977 651624 or e-mail info@crimeseen.org