Devon and Cornwall businesses save £150,000 through crime-reporting partnership
Collaboration works to tackle prolific offenders
A strategic partnership in Devon and Cornwall has led to significant police savings and enhanced crime reporting, empowering thousands of local businesses to address criminal activity.
The Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Business Crime Reduction Partnership (DCI:BCRP) has successfully supported 2,000 businesses and organisations by enabling efficient crime reporting and intelligence sharing.
Funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and supported by entities like the UK Partners Against Crime (UKPAC) and Devon & Cornwall Police, the initiative has generated estimated police savings of over £154,000 and saved 47 days of officer and staff time through 2,722 incident reports submitted since January 2026 using the SentrySIS platform.
The partnership has attracted national retail chains, including Co-op, SPAR, Matalan, B&M, and Sports Direct, with Sainsbury's set to join soon.
The partnership allows businesses to report crime directly, share intelligence, and identify offenders who repeatedly target various locations.
Andrew Bond, a Torquay trader, said it's reduced the time needed to report crime incidents.
He said: ""It is a great tool; it takes 30 seconds to log a small report but 25 minutes to do it through calling 101.
"One man who consistently gave us abuse has now been taken to court and banned from Torquay town centre after we reported him on the platform. "
The SentrySIS platform helps businesses file crime reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements directly to the police, while supporting intelligence sharing among associated businesses.
By analysing submitted information, businesses and law enforcement officials can identify crime trends and better understand activities impacting the region.
Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said:
"Businesses should not have to accept theft, abuse and antisocial behaviour as simply part of the job.
"The fact that thousands of businesses and organisations across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are now working together through this partnership sends a strong message that our communities are taking a united approach to business crime.
"Reporting crime is paramount. What might appear to be a single incident for one business could form part of a much wider pattern of offending affecting several businesses across different towns."
She added: "The savings achieved through direct reporting demonstrate the real value of partnership working, helping to free up police resources while ensuring businesses are supported and offenders are brought to justice.
"I would encourage businesses that are not yet involved to find out more and join this growing network."
Sergeant Chris Chaloner explained that the partnership's ability to unite businesses, local authorities, and police enhances crime detection and response efficiency.
The data showcases that beyond shop thefts, incidents of aggressive behaviour, verbal abuse, and antisocial behaviour are also being tackled.
Membership in the partnership provides benefits such as direct reporting to police, crime prevention support, and communication networks across 34 community groups.
To further encourage participation, businesses can receive up to 12 months of free membership funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner. More details are available on the UKPAC website.
The partnership operates in various locations across Devon and Cornwall, including Barnstaple, Exeter, Plymouth, Penzance, Truro, and others.