As part of his longstanding commitment to reduce business crime – including theft, robbery and violence against shop workers – Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster joined the recently-formed Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) in Birmingham.
Launched eight months ago by the Birmingham Central Business Improvement District (BID), it sees a joined-up approach between the BID, Birmingham City Council, British Transport Police and West Midlands Police to help crackdown on crime in the city centre.
More than 330 members of the city’s business community, including store managers, hoteliers and security staff, have signed up to the BCRP to share intelligence – including CCTV footage – and best practice to help report incidents, reduce crime and to improve working conditions for retail staff.
West Midlands PCC Simon Foster said: “I’m really pleased to have met up with Birmingham Central BID’s Crime Reduction Partnership to hear about the great work that’s ongoing.
“We discussed the action taken to improve reporting, communication and the sharing of intelligence to help build trust and confidence so that, together, we can prevent and tackle crime.
“Preventing and tackling retail crime, shop thefts and violence against shop workers is a top priority for me. That’s why I’m investing in rebuilding local community neighbourhood policing, supporting the National Retail Action Plan, the ShopKind campaign and investing in prevention and rehabilitation.”
Business Crime Reduction Partnership co-ordinator Bryan Edwards, who is based at Birmingham BID’s Bullring office, added: “The mission of the BCRP is to ensure a safe business environment through collaboration with businesses, West Midlands Police and the community.
“We are committed to reducing business crime with proactive strategies, innovative technology and effective training programmes, supporting a thriving and secure Birmingham city centre for customers and staff.”
To find out more about Birmingham’s Business Crime Reduction Partnership, visit their website here: https://www.centralbid.co.uk/benefits/crime-reduction-partnership/
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