A CRACKDOWN on crime throughout Trafford Park has seen burglaries fall by more than a third.

In just one month of Operation Tailgate - bobbies have witnessed a dramatic drop in incidents at one of Europe's biggest business parks.

And the operation is set to be ongoing to ensure the estate remains safe and secure and businesses continue to thrive.

The operation is just a small part of the recently launched Trafford Park Security Initiative (TPSI) - which is backed by Government funding and includes a wide approach to tackling crime in the area.

As well as uniformed officers and covert police operations, neighbourhood wardens and security guards are all playing their part to stop offenders in their tracks.

Inspector Russ Jackson from Stretford police says: "Although crime on industrial estates may not appear to have much of an impact on people's everyday life, the public do feel the knock on effects in terms of prices and insurance and ultimately, in some cases, businesses are forced to close down, leading to job losses."

He says that the initial success of 'Tailgate' is pleasing with 15 people arrested for a variety of offences ranging from going equipped to steal, damage to property and aggravated taking of a vehicle.

Others have been issued with a summons, with police stopping in the region of 500 vehicles, but the force wants to reassure people that the aim is to deal with criminal offences - not just to stop anyone.

Inspector Jackson goes on: "The public like to see bobbies on the beat and we have more officers in Trafford Park as part of this pro-active operation.

"We are stopping vehicles we believe may be on their way into Trafford Park and up to no good but it is not a case of stopping every car passing through.

"It is a case of reassuring the law-abiding public and business community whilst sending a message to criminals that we are there and are watching them."

Trafford Park Business Watch manager, Paul Smedley works closely with the businesses and police and says that the results so far show they mean business.

He adds: "Businesses are doing their bit by being vigilant and working with others to offer advice and relay previous experiences.

"With a wide approach, these criminals can be stopped and the drop of more than a third in just four weeks proves that point."

Inspector Jackson concludes: "Operation Tailgate has already proved that offenders will be caught and criminals from this and other areas should know that Trafford Park cannot be regarded as a target."