AFTER a number of shop break- ins earlier this year, the Campden Business Forum has launched an appeal to help fund the installation of CCTV on the High Street in the town.

Speaking of the initiative Nick West, Chairman of the business forum, said: ‘whilst crime is extremely low in the north Cotswolds, Chipping Campden did experience a number of incidences earlier this year, when criminal gangs from outside the area targeted the town and broke into shops on the High Street. The Town Council has been looking at ways in which crime can be prevented and, following discussions with the police and other rural towns, they have concluded that the installation of a discreet CCTV system in the High St would be the most effective deterrent.

The Campden Business Forum fully supports this initiative, which should not only deter crime, but should also be helpful in controlling anti-social behaviour and traffic management. Unsurprisingly the cost of installing CCTV is not cheap, so we want to do our bit to help’.

The appeal will run until Sunday, September 16 and local businesses and residents who will benefit from the installation are being asked to help. To participate in this appeal visit the Campden Business Forum website chippingcampden.com and click on the CCTV link.

In January a One Stop convenience store in High Street, Chipping Campden was broken into by three men who burst in and threatened staff before making off with cash from the safe and cigarettes.

One threatened a female shop assistant but neither she nor her male colleague were physically injured.