Police in Derry City & Strabane are working with partners to reduce business crime across the city and District
Safer Business Action Week (SaBA) runs from today, Monday, 14th October to Sunday 20th October.
Derry City & Strabane Chief Inspector Yvonne McManus said: “The impact of business crime is significant for business owners and retailers, their staff and the wider community so it’s important everyone in the community works to reduce business crime. Our aim, by working with partners and the local business owners and retailers, is to reduce this type of crime, raise awareness and encourage reporting, and make our city and town centres places where business crime will not be tolerated. Our officers, across the city and District, will continue to focus their efforts on disrupting repeat shoplifting offenders and provide support to the business community.”
Various crime prevention activities and initiatives are planned for the week and involve working in partnership with City Centre Initiative, and Derry and Strabane Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP).
'Safe Shop' initiative
‘Safe Shop’ training is available for business owners to equip them with the skills to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour in their premises. This training is provided by local police and crime prevention officers at no cost and covers issues such as preventing people entry to premises and the power to remove them, spotting the signs of a potential offender, how to prevent incidents using high level engagement techniques, and, what to do if an offence occurs, including powers of arrest.
Jim Roddy, City Centre Manager said : “Our city centre should be a safe space for everyone. Retail crime has a big effect on businesses, staff and customers. It affects our economy, the perception of our city in terms of being a safe place to visit, do businesses and the wellbeing of individuals. It is essential, as a city centre community that we all work together to ensure that everyone working, living and visiting our city feels safe. Reducing retail crime is one of the many important things we need to all work on to keep our city centre thriving.’
Chair of Derry and Strabane PCSP Councillor Martin Reilly said: “It is important that our city and town centres across Derry City & Strabane are vibrant and safe places for all. We will continue to work with police and business partners to create a safe environment for traders and shoppers. The business sector is such an important part of our economy and we will support any partnership to address concerns in relation to retail crime.”
Chief Inspector McManus added: “We know business crime is under reported, and we're appealing to anyone who has been a victim of crime, or if you see something suspicious happening, to report it to us. Your report helps us target our resources and develop a coordinated response through crime prevention interventions. We’ve had reports from the public about these type of incidents, which has helped us apprehend offenders. Your information can make a difference.”