Businesses in Tewkesbury are collaborating to address rising high street crime.
- The Tewkesbury Safe scheme has seen participation from nearly 30 local organizations to tackle issues such as shoplifting.
- A council-backed initiative introduces a card system to manage offenses in night-time premises.
- The scheme is financially supported by the Office of Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) with a £15,000 fund.
- Inspector Grant White highlights the benefits of a unified approach to retail crime across Gloucestershire.
Businesses in Tewkesbury are uniting to curb the increasing challenges posed by high street crime. Nearly 30 organizations have already pledged their support for the Tewkesbury Safe scheme, a project aimed at mitigating negative behaviors like shoplifting and anti-social conduct. This proactive approach is becoming essential as businesses strive to protect their operations and clientele from disruptions.
The initiative has gained traction, with local councils backing the campaign. A unique aspect of the Tewkesbury Safe scheme is the enforcement of a yellow and red card system within night-time licensed premises. This system allows members to issue yellow cards to individuals displaying disorderly behavior, presenting a streamlined method for addressing infractions. Depending on the severity, the independent panel can escalate a yellow card to a red, leading to warnings or exclusions for the offenders involved.
Financial backing comes from the OPCC for Gloucestershire, which has allocated £15,000 to this scheme. This funding has been instrumental in the provisioning of materials and tools such as membership materials, radios, and Ofcom licensing, necessary for effective implementation. The shared objective is to instill a sense of safety and security within the community, assuring customers that local businesses are active participants in creating a secure environment.
Inspector Grant White affirms the success noted in other regions with similar safe schemes. He underscores the regional extension of the initiative to Tewkesbury, enhancing uniformity in tackling retail crime. By joining this scheme, Tewkesbury aligns itself with a broader strategy that has already benefited areas such as Cheltenham, Stroud, and Gloucester. This collective effort safeguards the interests of businesses while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for patrons.
The Tewkesbury Safe scheme represents a concerted effort to enhance public safety and support business resilience against high street crime.
