An Gardai Siochana is teaming up with the Athlone Chamber of Commerce to launch a Business Watch Scheme in the town.
The scheme works on the same priniciple as Neighbour Watch and sees Gardai working with the community to prevent and reduce crime.
Chamber President Alan Shaw says the scheme is easy and free to join and they're hopeful of a high take up.
He says everyone who takes part should benefit from the initative.
'An Gardaí Siochana depend on the business community to report incidents of crime and what they are concerned about is that some thefts may go unreported. This scheme will help tackle that'