Leicestershire businesses near Peterborough increase security with funding boost
Police and Crime Commissioner's initiative enhances crime prevention measures
Last updated 3rd Jun 2026
Businesses in Leicestershire, Leicester, and Rutland are set to receive advanced security tools to enhance protection against retail crime, courtesy of a new funding allocation.
Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews distributed £46,853 among nine local councils and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), aiming to safeguard livelihoods and reinforce crime prevention strategies.
The funds will support a variety of security measures, including CCTV cameras, retail radio handsets, personal safety alarms, and e-learning safety courses for retail staff.
This initiative follows a prior investment of £52,000 for 110 Body Worn Videos (BWVs) for independent retailers, targeting frequent violence and shoplifting incidents.
Commitment to crime prevention
The funding was allocated through Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) and BIDs, with eligibility for up to 25 BWVs per retailer.
Rupert Matthews, having conversed extensively with businesses during his community engagements, emphasized the importance of addressing shoplifting, anti-social behaviour (ASB), and threats to shopworkers.
"Business Crime is a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan," Matthews stated, underscoring his commitment to providing necessary resources and information for businesses to combat crime and protect employees.
Additionally, Matthews pledged to introduce further crime prevention initiatives, facilitating crime reporting and ensuring thorough investigations into business-related crimes.
Impact and progress
The latest Crime Survey for England and Wales reported significant progress in crime prevention within the region, surpassing regional and national averages for shoplifting and various other crime categories.
The PCC plans to continue this momentum through targeted investments, fostering a proactive approach to risk management and enhancing resilience among local businesses.
Hinckley and Bosworth Council succeeded in obtaining £5,183 for upgrading its retail radio network, while Blaby District Council secured £4,900 for a Geofencing bollard and CCTV system improvements.
BID Leicester received £5,200 for additional cloud services linked to the BWV devices, extending coverage to three years.
Rutland County Council was awarded £5,270 to bolster its Retail Crime Initiative, including funding for DISC, an information-sharing app aiding quick incident reporting and community safety enhancement.
For further details on funding recipients, visit: Business Crime Grants .