BID Updates - Press Releases - Protecting - Safety

Safer Business Action Week makes a successful return to Bristol City Centre

October saw the return of Safer Business Action Week, a collaborative initiative led by the BIDs alongside various other community partners.

08/11/2024

BID Lead

Last month, Avon & Somerset Police, National Business Crime Centre, Bristol Business Crime Reduction Partnership, Broadmead BID, Redcliffe & Temple BID and the City Centre BID teamed up for Safer Business Action (SaBA) Week.

This nationwide initiative saw these organisations work hand in hand with the local business community to take proactive action to prevent crimes such as burglary, criminal damage, and antisocial behaviour. The BCRP, headed by Bristol BCRP manager Carmen Ceesay, brings together BIDs, businesses, the local authority and the police to reduce crime and its impact, taking a collaborative approach to business engagement and dynamic crime prevention.

On Tuesday 15 October, a successful joint operation saw the participating organisations work with local businesses to prevent crime, with the police carrying out high visibility patrols in conjunction with Broadmead BID businesses to address crime and anti-social behaviour. Also on Tuesday, Carmen, Nat Naylor (PCSO), and Broadmead security ranger Andy conducted more than 20 visits to local businesses, focusing on awareness, prevention and the reporting of crime.

Wednesday 16 saw business leaders and employees engage in presentations led by Sgt. Sean Underwood (Avon & Somerset Police), Carmen Ceesay, Louisa Briggs (Project Manager at City Centre BID), Nat Naylor, and Lewis Monk (dedicated SIS Officer). The presentations explored a range of subjects, including highlighting the various available services for businesses – from bike marking and walk-and-talk initiatives – as well as guidance on crime reporting.

Bristol BCRP manager Carmen Ceesay, said:

"The October SaBA Event was a great success. Working closely with Avon & Somerset Police, local authorities, various security partners, and the Bristol BIDs was vital to making this event happen and achieving our shared goal of a safer business community. By organising various activities across an extended week-long period, BCRP connected with businesses, listened to their concerns, and strengthened relationships with the local beat team. SaBA has provided valuable insights and been met with positive feedback, helping us to continue our efforts to reduce crime within the partnership. I would like to extend a personal thanks to everyone involved, for their hard work and commitment, which made this event such a success."

Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant, Sean Underwood said:

“It was a fantastic day of action, and the results reflected that, by pooling all our expertise together within the partnership, we were able to increase our understanding of issues facing businesses while targeting offenders and those responsible for antisocial behaviour. While it may seem obvious, the police can only respond to crimes and incidents that are reported to us; if we don’t know about something, we cannot act.”

By organising various activities across an extended week-long period, BCRP connected with businesses, listened to their concerns, and strengthened relationships with the local beat team. SaBA has provided valuable insights and been met with positive feedback, helping us to continue our efforts to reduce crime within the partnership.

Find out more about the Bristol Crime Reduction Partnership here.

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