Businesses across an Airedale, Wharfedale and North Bradford town are to wage text war against criminals.
Every business in Bingley has joined a revamped Bingley Business Watch through which they can share intelligence with police and each other through mobile phones to help put the squeeze on criminals.
More than 60 companies are taking part in the Bingley Neighbourhood Police Team initiative which launched on Monday December 1 in Bingley’s Millennium Square and has been supported by the town’s Chamber of Trade.
Though the scheme
Shop staff will be able to ring or text designated officers at Airedale and North Bradford’s Bingley Neighbourhood Police Team if they have a concern over a typical business crime related issue such as the circulation of forged notes or shoplifting.
Officers will then be able to contact all businesses in the ‘watch’ with a brief message warning stores about the issue, and if necessary, a description of any offenders.
To ensure that the system can operate day to day, all businesses have been provided with contact numbers for officers in the NPT and details of when they will be working.
Police have pledged that two officers from the NPT will always be available on a day to day basis for businesses to make sure intelligence is not lost and the police are there as a point of contact.
The Business Watch has been reintroduced following consultation with businesses by the Bingley NPT team who were keen to step up protection for traders in their area, and help traders protect each other.
It is not intended to replace 999 which remains the main point of contact to report emergencies or the 0845 60 60 606 number which residents should still use to report crimes, such as burglaries, in which there is no immediate danger
Allan Doherty, Chief Superintendent of Airedale and North Bradford Police, said: “We are keen to exploit new technology such as text and email as they are an excellent method of getting information out to the public quickly and make them aware of issues of concern.
“By using these services we can also quickly publicise appeals to residents about crimes to help us receive intelligence which we can use to act upon and tackle the problems. This is one of many similar projects in the division where we are seeking to exploit text and email to help us continue to offer improving levels of service.”
Sergeant Di Collins of the Bingley Neighbourhood Police Team, who has developed the scheme, said: “We are very pleased that everyone is on board as we all have a common aim to reduce crime and this approach allows us as the local officers to use technology to keep businesses alert and informed. The response when we have spoken to traders has been fantastic and we believe this initiative will make a difference.”
Robert Harrison, President of the Bingley Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said: “We are 110 per cent behind this action and we think it is great idea which shows great commitment by West Yorkshire Police not only from the command structure but also from our local police officers.
“We find our Neighbourhood Police Team here are excellent and have shown a great deal of enthusiasm and commitment.
“I feel this Business Watch is a model which could well be used in other areas.”
