New Tewkesbury Safe scheme launched to support local businesses
Posted on: 25 October 2024
For the first time, over 28 businesses from the day and night-time economies in Tewkesbury town have come together to help to reduce business crime.
The shop and pub watch scheme ‘Tewkesbury Safe’ officially launched today, Friday 25 October. It brings together local retailers and license holders, to tackle crimes such as shoplifting or anti-social behaviour (ASB) and the scheme is supported by Tewkesbury Borough Council’s Community Safety Partnership.
Most of Tewksbury’s night-time economy is enjoyed safely and sensibly. However, the Tewkesbury Safe night-time economy will now operate a yellow and red card scheme for anyone who behaves anti-socially at member-licensed premises. Members of the scheme will see staff able to issue yellow cards to offenders involved in crime, disorder or ASB in or near their premises. Any offenders, including those in licensed premises, will be put to an independent panel for review of whether they receive a warning or exclusion.
Cllr Alex Hegenbarth Lead member for Community and Housing said: “I’m delighted to see Tewkesbury Safe launched. Earlier this year, Tewkesbury was declared one of the safest places to live in the UK. However, we are not complacent, and we are working with partners for safer communities. Crimes like shoplifting and anti-social behaviour can have a serious impact on staff and customers, but also on a business’s bottom line and reputation.
“Local businesses are encouraged to join the scheme and display a Tewkesbury Safe membership sticker. We hope that this will reassure customers that the businesses are working with the town and borough councils and the police to provide a safer environment for all.”
The scheme is supported by Tewkesbury Borough Council and Tewkesbury Town Council. The Office of Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Gloucestershire awarded £15,000 to fund the scheme, which helped to support the supply and installation of Tewkesbury Safe membership materials, radios, an OFCOM licence, site assessments and reporting tools.
Inspector Grant White from the Tewkesbury Neighbourhood Policing Team added: “Members of Tewkesbury Safe will benefit from reduced levels of crime and anti-social behaviour at their premises.
“We’ve seen the success of other schemes like City Safe, which has more than 200 members from a variety of businesses in Cheltenham, Stroud, Cirencester and Gloucester, including shops, pubs, clubs, takeaways and transport services.
“Tewkesbury was the last area within the county to become part of this scheme and us joining means the county benefits from a standardised and uniformed approach when it comes to retail crime and the night time economy ensuring the community of Tewkesbury receives the same level of service as all other areas and that we can share our best working practices.
“Schemes like these have seen 46 shoplifting offenders in the past 12 months charged or deterred through various measures and an overall, 80% reduction in re-offending.”
Steve Lindsay, Gloucestershire Safe Manager said: ‘’I’m pleased to see a great response to the Tewkesbury Safe scheme and I’d urge businesses who are interested in joining to get in touch.’’
Any premises that wishes to join the Tewksbury Safe scheme can find out more at tewkesbury.gov.uk/tewkesbury-safe
