Hartlepool Borough Council is backing Safer Business Action Week and is urging local retailers to join forces with partners across the region to help tackle retail crime and anti-social behaviour.
Running from 9-15 November, the national initiative brings together businesses, police forces, local authorities and other partner organisations.
As part of its commitment to creating safer, more welcoming shopping environments, Hartlepool Borough Council is encouraging businesses to sign up to the Cleveland Retail Crime Forum, established by Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey.
The forum provides a valuable platform for retailers, partners and enforcement agencies to share information, discuss concerns and develop coordinated responses to the challenges facing the sector. The next meeting will take place on Thursday 3 December at 10.30am in Redcar. To express an interest in becoming a member email PCC.office@cleveland.police.uk
The Council is an active member of the forum and is keen to see even more businesses get involved to help strengthen the collective voice of the retail sector.
Councillor Amanda Napper, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Neighbourhoods and Regulatory Services Committee, said: “Retail crime and anti-social behaviour can have a significant impact on businesses, their staff and customers, which is why partnership working is so important.
“The Cleveland Retail Crime Forum provides businesses with a real opportunity to share their experiences, influence action and work alongside partners to tackle the issues that matter most to them.
“Hartlepool Borough Council remains fully committed to working with Cleveland Police, the Police and Crime Commissioner, retailers and other agencies to address retail crime and anti-social behaviour. We want local businesses to thrive and we want residents and visitors to enjoy a safe, welcoming and positive shopping experience whenever they come into our town centre.
“I would encourage businesses to get involved with the forum and help us build an even stronger collective approach to keeping our communities safe.”
The Council is already playing an active role in tackling retail crime and anti-social behaviour through Operation Grantham, a multi-agency initiative which targets the behaviour of individuals whose actions are having a negative impact on businesses, residents and visitors in Hartlepool town centre.
As part of the operation, community safety staff work closely with partners to tackle issues such as aggressive begging and persistent anti-social behaviour.
The Council recently secured a civil injunction against a prolific beggar whose repeated incidents of abusive behaviour and threats of violence targeted elderly and vulnerable members of the public as well as young female staff at a number of commercial premises.
Operation Grantham has also seen 18 live Community Protection Warnings issued and one live Community Protection Notice served. These legal powers are used to address persistent anti-social behaviour that has a detrimental effect on communities and local businesses.
During Safer Business Action Week, community safety staff are also distributing posters containing a range of information to retail premises in the town centre.