Shopkeepers and market stall holders in Nuneaton and Bedworth are being urged to contact police as soon as they can after a crime is committed.
Police are concerned that some crimes are not being reported as national crime figures rise.
Town Centre Officer PC Tom Shorthouse said:
“The first step for us to tackle crime is for us to know when and where it’s happening.
“We are aware that shopkeepers and businesses are facing an increase of anti-social behaviour, theft, and violence nationwide, including in Nuneaton and Bedworth, and we are here to put a stop to it.
“Let us know as soon as possible when something is happening to you or your business.
“The sooner we know, the sooner we can help; and every report helps us build a picture of any wider patterns or issues.
“Retail radio schemes are available in the town centre for a direct line to us, and for everything else you can make a report on our website or by giving us a ring on 101 or 999 in an emergency.”
Cllr Chris Watkins, leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, said:
“We would like to reiterate the message from Warwickshire Police to all our traders in the borough.
“We urge businesses to contact police as soon as possible after a crime has taken place on their premises, because the sooner they have the information, the sooner they can get on with the task of finding those responsible.’’
Warwickshire Police also has an online reporting tool.