Retail crime crackdown aims to keep 'eye on the game' for Peterborough firms
Police are continuing the Government-led scheme
A business group in Peterborough is backing a police campaign to keep businesses and our streets safe.
It comes as officers continue their Winter of Action, targeting the likes of shop theft, anti-social behaviour and keeping nights out safer.
The Government-led campaign - which runs until the end of January - follows the Safer Streets Summer initiative in the county which saw an increase in patrols and numerous arrests, including for drug offences, as well as engagement with local businesses.
"When we have activity like this, it's nice to put together some concrete plans on what particular areas we're going to focus on and what challenges businesses are experiencing that we can try and resolve for them," Pep Cipriano, chief operating officer at Peterborough Positive, said.
"I think a lot of the work we do with the police and local authority is business as usual, so it's nice when Government want to do a focus on the type of activity we're rolling out."
Key areas
As part of the Winter of Action, police will look to cover three main areas:
• Retail crime: tackling theft, abuse of retail workers and organised criminality, with a focus on prolific offenders and partnership with retailers.
• Street crime and anti-social behaviour: maintaining visible patrols and public confidence, using enforcement and prevention to address persistent issues.
• Night-time economy safety: tackling alcohol-related disorder, spiking, and violence against women and girls.
Peterborough Positive - the city's business improvement district - represents more than 400 businesses and organisations with the aim to "transform the city centre, improving experiences, standards and adding value for all city users."
Link between business and police
In its business plan up to 2027, the group said it will look to help target resources "to reduce shop theft and illegal activity in the city centre."
There is also a business crime liaison officer who works with Peterborough Positive, and acts as a link between businesses and the police when reporting concerns around safety.
While the group uses an app to report crimes that businesses have shared with them.
"We work closely with the police and the council - we run campaigns together - and something like this from central Government cements this to make sure we're keeping an eye on the game," Pep added.
"I'm confident we're doing the right things; it's never going to go away, but we're on top of it."