Patterns of criminal behaviour are being monitored to help retailers in Eastbourne clamp down on crime.

Shop and store managers submit details to a centralised database when known criminals enter their premises.

That information will be used to help police track the regular movements of offenders and provide criminal profiles.

It will also enable officers to understand which stores are being targeted most and whether there are certain times criminals tend to operate.

The £11,000 equipment has been bought to help the Eastbourne Business Crime Group, using cash from the Eastbourne Crime Reduction Partnership.

The crime group has around 100 retailers as members, from corner shops to multi-national companies.

Members are given access to the latest criminal intelligence and photographs of known offenders and they are linked by a radio system to alert other members of offenders in the area.

In addition, persistent criminals are being banned from retailers within the groups.

They are stopped from even stepping inside the premises and if they do they face prosecution for trespassing.

Police chiefs promised to dedicate officers to work with the information provided.

Chief Inspector Martin Stevens said: "We will be supplying a dedicated team of police officers who will work with the information and intelligence given to us by the retailers.

"We are committed to our partnership working and this is yet another good example. We want to continue to make the town centre a safe place for people to shop."

Neil Fuller, chairman of Eastbourne Crime Reduction Partnership, said: "We are committed to working with all sections of Eastbourne's community to tackle crime and the fear of crime and help make the town a safer place."

Members can benefit from staff training on conflict management, crime prevention assistance, regular newsletters and quarterly meetings.

Businesses can join the scheme by contacting the business crime manager on 01323 415411.