A retailer’s zero tolerance approach to crime in its stores across Derbyshire has been launched.
The Central England Co-operative with Derbyshire Police is running verbal and visual (posters) ways of trying to deter crimes. The scheme is being rolled out in the county after a trial in other parts of the country.
Karl Hall, Loss Prevention Advisor at Central England Co-operative, said: “The idea behind this scheme was to showcase that we have a zero tolerance approach to crime in and around our stores including everything from theft to antisocial behaviour. As a retailer, we are based at the heart of the community and therefore it is very important to the Society that our colleagues, customers and the surrounding area remain crime free.
“After a successful trial in Leicestershire, the scheme is now in operation across the county and is now launching in Derbyshire. We are working with our colleagues in store to ensure they have all the training they need.
“The campaign provides a strong platform for colleagues and police to work together to ensure that there is a zero tolerance approach to crime at all times and that customers and colleagues feel safe and secure throughout the communities we serve.”
The campaign will include officers undertaking beat events in-store, which could involve meeting and greeting customers and talking to them about crime prevention and equipment such as window alarms, tamper proof licence plate screws for your car and other preventative measures.
Colleagues in store have also been trained to be vigilant, and in how to challenge anyone acting suspiciously.
Supt Tracy Harrison, who is in charge of operational policing in Derby, said: “We are pleased to be working with Central England Co-op to help them reduce crime in their stores across Derby. We are committed to reducing and investigating crime and protecting people in Derbyshire and as so of course support this initiative. Stores such as those owned by Central England Co-op are very often at the centre of our communities and so the opportunity that this scheme offers us to hold meetings with the public as part of our ‘Street Meet’ initiative is particularly welcomed.”
