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Shopwatch enables traders to keep in touch by radio and warn each other and the police when suspected criminals are seen operating in the Cheetham Village centre.

In its first week the scheme netted six people for car theft and credit card fraud and the area has since seen a decline in shoplifting.

So far 20 shopkeepers have signed up to the network which is linked to closed circuit television cameras to record incidents and pass on evidence to the police.

It is now hoped more shopkeepers will join in the to help reduce crime in the area and attract more customers to Cheetham Hill which is undergoing a major facelift.

Centre manager Adrian Murphy was confident the improvement would pay off and the current disruption to traffic will be worth the outcome.

He said: "Large areas of paving are nearing completion, better lighting has bee introduced, preparation works for all the new pedestrian crossings are complete and a new bus boarder has been provided to make it easier to get on and off vehicles.

"Traffic congestion will be a problem for a while longer but when the traffic lanes are realigned things will move easier than ever.

"When the project is complete later this year there will be a huge improvement in the look of the village and a rise in business confidence."