BUSINESSES and shops were urged to check their security as York geared up for its second "Say No To Crime Day".

Police will be targeting traders and office workers when they ask everyone to play their part in cutting crime on Monday.

Letters have been sent to hundreds of businesses encouraging them to adopt simple security measures to ensure that they do not become victims of crime.

The day will see mobile police stations parked in St Sampson's Square, Front Street, Acomb, and in the Tesco car park at Clifton Moor.

Senior officers will be on hand on the streets to offer information and advice as their colleagues conduct talks at a number of schools.

When the first York Say No To Crime Day was staged in November, senior officers claimed that crime numbers dropped significantly, with only 24 offences taking place in 24 hours.

Chief Constable Della Cannings has thrown her weight behind the days, which have also taken place in Selby, Tadcaster, Scarborough and Harrogate.

Sergeant Ian Illingworth, of York's community policing team, said although Mondays often had a low level of crime anyway, the move remained a challenge.

He said: "These days raise awareness of the dangers, which is our main intention. It's down to everyone, not just us, to do something about crime.

"The last time we had a day like this we saw a significant reduction in the amount of crime that took place and we are hoping for a similar success."

Jane Mowat, director of Safer York Partnership, said businesses should use the day as a spur to review their security arrangements.

She said: "The aim of the event is to remind our communities that everyone has a role to play in the fight against crime."

Updated: 09:46 Saturday, June 04, 2005