BUSINESSES may be invited to sponsor Essex Police, to help put more officers on the beat.

Companies could have their logos and brand names splashed over police cars or uniforms to fund the extra 600 officers promised by the Chief Constable last month.

In London, where a pilot system has already been launched, businesses have offered to pay for police overtime.

However, some local businessmen have voiced their concern about the possible scheme.

Terry Taber, chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses in Southend, said: “Business rates are quite high and although they aren’t collected by the local authority, they still go towards paying for a police service.

“I think most small businesses feel they are already paying for the police, especially when business crime accounts for a fifth of all reported crime.

“I don’t think many small businesses will be able to get involved. However, it does all depend on the money being asked for.”

The move is one of several suggestions being put forward to cover the cost of the extra officers.

Other options include selling services, such as IT development and training, to other forces, or renting out buildings.

Kate Batson, spokeswoman for the Essex Police Authority, said: “Sponsorship is one of the things we are looking at among lots of other funding options.

“A full costed business case will go to the Police Authority in September, where more detail about finance of officers will be given.”

However, Angela Smith, MP for Basildon and East Thurrock, believes the police should exercise great caution.

She said: “We all want to see more police on the streets because people are reassured by a police presence, but people don’t want to pay more taxes.

“I wouldn’t rule sponsorship out, but I would want to look at it in more detail.

“Certainly, I would urge Essex Police to proceed with caution.”

The proposal for corporate sponsors is laid out in a report by Chief Constable Roger Baker, entitled Development Plan for Policing in Essex 2008-2013.