National recognition for business crime initiative
24 January 2012
Thefts
from shops in Chester city centre now have a 73 percent detection
rate – thanks to a partnership which includes Chester Against
Business Crime and Police.
Lord Henley, the Minister for Crime Prevention and Anti-Social
Behaviour Reduction, has been finding out about the scheme during a
visit to the city.
He walked around the city centre with the Council’s Business
Crime Manager Bob Lelliot, speaking to local businesses, toured the
CCTV Control Room and took part in a round table discussion
involving Cheshire West and Chester Councillors, Police and
partners.
Council Leader, Mike Jones, said: “I am very proud to support
Chester Against Business Crime and of what they have achieved – it
has become a beacon of best practice which has been recognised
nationally.
“There is no doubt its activities have helped make Chester a
safer city for residents, workers, visitors and businesses.
“I am sure that Lord Henley will have been impressed by what he
saw.”
Chester Against Business Crime holds weekly meetings with the
retail sector and agencies involved with crime reduction in the
city to share information on criminal activity.
There are 270 radios under its control, titled the Co-Sign radio
link, which are used by businesses and partners in emergencies
including theft and disorder.
Weekly publications provide accurate information on a range of
topics.
Lord Henley, Home Office Minister for Crime Prevention and
Antisocial Behaviour Reduction, said: “Shops are the lifeblood of
our communities. We recognise the cost and disruption retail crime
causes to business as well as the damaging effects for communities
and consumers.
“That is why we are working with business and trade associations
to improve understanding of crimes against business, and to find
effective solutions.
“In addition, from November 2012, directly elected Police and Crime
Commissioners will make forces truly accountable to their
communities, retailers and businesses, to ensure they appropriately
address local policing concerns.
“Chester Against Business Crime is a great example of how
partnership working is getting real results. I welcome its work and
encourage more local areas to take their lead.”
Councillor Lynn Riley, Executive Member for Community and
Environment, said: “The work of Chester Against Business Crime adds
to the strong focus of the Community Safety Partnership, and we
have seen significant reductions in crime levels in and around
Chester, with Cheshire Police reporting positive outcomes of 35.7
percent against a national average of 26 percent.
“These initiatives add a valuable dimension to the work of the
Council and its partners and sends a clear message about the City
and its commitment to public safety.”
Bi-monthly meetings are held for independent and small traders
which cover issues wider than crime for example parking enforcement
and waste policy.
And there is also a city-based secure intranet for members and
partners within the Chester Against Business Crime partnership.
Inspector Ian Thorp, Cheshire Police, said: “The proactive
approach of Chester Against Business Crime displayed in support of
local business has had a significant effect on criminality in the
area, by working together with local officers to challenge the
behaviour of offenders.”
Local Councillor Samantha Dixon said: “Chester Against Business
Crime enjoys success because it works so closely with our local
businesses.
“The organisation pays really detailed attention to making sure
Chester city centre is welcoming for businesses as well as
thousands of shoppers and visitors.”
Business Crime Manager, Bob Lelliott, said: “This is the first
time any business crime reduction partnership in the UK has been
visited by a Home Office Minister and we are very proud he selected
Chester.
“This was a fantastic opportunity to showcase how we all work
together in Chester to achieve the fantastic results that we
do – Chester has seen a reduction of crime year on year, and
during 2011 acquisitive crime was reduced by 28.9 percent,
testament to all the hard work by all the agencies in Chester.”
Added Rita Waters, Chief Executive of Chester Renaissance:
“After rigorous assessment by the Association of Business Crime
Partnerships, the Chester scheme was awarded a nationally
recognised benchmark – the first in the North West to do so.
“Chester Against Business Crime was subsequently awarded a
Distinction, one of only a few in the UK.”
Photo: L-R - Chief Inspector Julie Westgate, Manager
of The Forum Shopping Centre, Lawrence Allen, Lord Henley, PC Mel
Pemberton - Beat manager for the city centre and Business Crime
Manager Bob Lelliott.