TRADERS worried about crime have been told they must report it if they want police to have the resources they need to fight back.

Shopkeepers in Acomb say a recent fall in reported crime does not reflect the reality of local lawbreaking. They claim people have become too disillusioned to report incidents.

But reporting incidents of crime - no matter how small - could help boost police resources in Acomb, according to York MP Hugh Bayley.

Crime-hit traders in Acomb's main shopping area met with Mr Bayley and the local police commander, Inspector Ken Gill, to discuss the recent spate of damage, thefts and vandalism which led to a petition demanding more officers.

The shopkeepers have now been urged by Mr Bayley to form the traders' equivalent of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

The meeting at the Guildhall heard there had been a significant drop in crime in the Acomb area in recent months.

But traders claim the fall was due to residents failing to report crime because of disillusionment with police.

Mr Bayley, who called the meeting after receiving the petition from local shopkeepers, said: "It is important to report all crime to the police, even if you have no evidence about who did it.

"The resources that York police get compared with the rest of the county depends on the local crime figures, so every report counts."

Mr Bayley said that many of the examples of crime brought up at the meeting by traders had never been lodged with police.

And he said he would be writing to everyone who signed the petition to encourage them to set up a local traders' association.

"There was a lot of anger from the traders, but also a feeling that everyone should work together to find a solution to the problem."

Tony Fletcher, owner of Fletchers Fabrics, in Front Street, who has been the victim of two crimes in recent months, said: "Not a lot of crime is reported because people have become disillusioned that the police won't come when a crime happens."

He said he was disappointed that senior officers could not pledge more bobbies on the beat, but he said the meeting had been constructive as traders were now aware of the financial constraints police were under.

PC John Bolton, community safety officer, who works with Safer York Partnership, agreed it had been a constructive meeting.

He said: "This provides a starting point for the traders and the police to work more closely and form a valid partnership.

"And we are glad they are considering forming a traders' group which will enable a freer flow of information between us."

And PC Bolton urged all Acomb traders to join the Retailers Against Crime in York scheme.

david.wiles@ycp.co.uk