Case Studies

Somerset report

by Mark Rowe

Somerset Businesses Against Crime (SBAC) recorded their highest number of incidents from local businesses in 2016, reports the independently run business crime reduction partnership.

Incidents reported rose from 324 to 413 based on the previous year’s figures, an increase of 27pc. This is echoed in the number of offenders on the SBAC database, which rose from 267 to 343. The bulk of incidents reported were based on shop theft or where businesses successfully deterred offences from happening. Stock loss to the value of £21,600 was reported but 55% of that stock was successfully recovered from thieves.

The biggest increase in reports came from the town of Bridgwater which saw an increase of nearly 40pc in incidents being reported.

Chris Marrow, the non-executive chair of SBAC, says: “The increase in offences being reported to SBAC may seem initially concerning but they are more representative of the confidence of our members to report as opposed to any marked increase in crime.

“The efforts and rewards of having compliant data sharing are being shared by our members as we continue to create safe town centres for all. This is particularly apparent as a result of the hard work of SBAC to rebuild ShopWatch in Bridgwater from the ashes of the previous scheme the district council ran in the town. It is exceptionally pleasing that the hard work and positive partnership working of SBAC, our members, the Police, Bridgwater Town Council and Taunton Deane Borough Council is bringing such great results in keeping our members safe and secure.”

The organisation, which is independently funded and run by member businesses, delivered the first South West Business Crime Conference in Taunton; launched their Cyber Crime Workshops for Businesses; continued to chair the South West Businesses Against Crime; and represent the region on the National Council of the National Association of Business Crime Partnerships.

In December 2016, SBAC also launched data sharing platforms for businesses. BusinessWatch; MotorWatch; ResortWatch; RuralWatch and SchoolWatch are data sharing platforms (including a smart phone app) that enable businesses to send and receive intelligence to help the business community to prevent and detect crime.

The “Back on TRACK” programme continues to see SBAC involved with the FoodBanks in Bridgwater and Taunton, supporting the Taunton Deane Domestic Abuse Forum, and working to help Taunton to attain ‘Dementia Friendly’ status by assisting the Taunton Deane Dementia Action Alliance by connecting businesses with community initiatives.

Mr Marrow says: “Business crime represents over a quarter of all reported crime to Avon & Somerset Constabulary. While our ShopWatch and PubWatch schemes tend to focus on offender databases and exclusions, we recognized the need for small or specific business sectors to have a recognised platform to help them keep secure. With ever increasing demands on the police and local authorities, the more that businesses continue to work together to prevent all crimes from occurring the better it will be for not just the business members but all of the community.”

For 2017, SBAC says it hopes to build all their schemes further, to deliver more cyber-crime workshops around the county and to continue to work with police and other partners for businesses to become even harder to commit offences against. Visit www.somersetbac.org.uk.

Picture by Mark Rowe; county cricket ground, Taunton.

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