Castlepoint Shopping Park has been awarded the Safe Business Award by the Action Against Business Crime (AABC) organisation following the introduction of a series of crime prevention measures on site.
Castlepoint’s Assistant Security Manager Jay Mclean, who will accept the award on behalf of Castlepoint Retailers Against Crime (C.R.A.C), said: “This award recognises the development of C.R.A.C which is a management board consisting of representatives from on-site retailers, Bournemouth Borough Council and Dorset Police.
“It also recognises the crime prevention measures introduced, which C.R.A.C are responsible for maintaining, to make Castlepoint a safer environment in which to shop and work.”
The first measure put in place was an information sharing agreement, which allows information to flow freely between on-site retailers, Bournemouth Town Centre’ s crime manager, Boscombe Town Centres urban manager and Dorset Police.
Inspector Neil Munro, of Bournemouth Police said: “The information sharing agreement is an essential tool in the fight against crime. It enables partners to collate, share and disseminate information which may assist in the apprehension and prosecution of offenders.”
Another measure introduced was a centrally monitored Shop Watch radio system that links retailers to on-site security. The police also monitor the system during their regular patrols at Castlepoint, ensuring an effective and appropriate police response when needed.
David Suszek from AABC, a Home Office and British Retail Consortium funded organisation, who will be presenting the award at Castlepoint on the 23 October 2007 said: “We are very pleased to present Castlepoint Retailers Against Crime with the Safer Business Award. The award recognises the measures introduced at Castlepoint to reduce the opportunity for crime and anti social behaviour.
“Castlepoint is the latest location in Dorset to receive the award joining Poole, Bournemouth and Boscombe and highlights the commitment by the business community to work with its partners locally and nationally in this area.’’
A TK Maxx spokesperson said: “We're pleased to have been involved in the achievement of this accreditation. It will help to standardise the way criminal activities are reported and how information is shared between retailers, making the centre overall a safer and more enjoyable place to shop.”
