Business Crime Reduction Partnership

Members of the Hastings Area Business Crime Reduction Partnership believe that working together through the Shopwatch and Barwatch schemes is the best way to deter local repeat offenders from the area.

Once offenders know they are being watched and action is being taken, they will stay away.

The partnership aims to give businesses the tools, the support, and the training they need to deter known offenders from in and around their premises.

The BCRP provides a collective voice when talking to the Police and the Council to secure an appropriate response to crime and anti-social behaviour affecting members' businesses.

The over-arching objective is to reduce levels of crime in the area to improve the ability of members to trade safely and profitably.

Member benefits:

• The BCRP radio network links members with the each other
• Regular intelligence meetings are held to discuss current cases and share information on offenders
• Reductions in losses of stock and increased numbers of customers due to the reduced fear of crime in the area
• A safer environment in the night-time economy with individuals known to cause problems excluded or on watch lists
• A powerful online database (accessible via both a website and a smartphone app) stores data on hundreds of known offenders. It gives easy access to images and details of who is excluded or has a Criminal Behaviour Order and keeps members up-to-date with all the latest news about anti-crime initiatives
• Members have access to advice and guidance on ways to design out crime and make best use of technology such as CCTV.
• Regular visits from the Hastings Business Ambassador help keep members in touch with the latest news
• A data-sharing agreement with Sussex Police that allows images of offenders to be matched with names and addresses
• A weekly e-newsletter with details of the latest offenders added to the database.