Offenders in Somerset can now expect to be excluded from businesses in Berrow, Brean, Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea, Highbridge and Taunton, if their offending is of such a nature it is felt to be in the best interests of the local businesses and the wider community. Somerset West Businesses Against Crime (SWBAC) co-ordinate the scheme and it replaces former schemes operated by retail and pub watches.
Previously, offenders would be excluded from a particular town this scheme now covers all towns under our care. This means that an offender excluded from one town will find that they cannot visit premises in the other participating towns. Some five individuals are excluded from retailers and 11 from the night time economy members in the district.
The scheme co-ordinator Andy Sharman said: “We want to send the message out to all thieves and drunken thugs that this area will not tolerate such behaviour. Before, you could be banned from businesses in Taunton but continue offending in Bridgwater, those days are over. Through the circulation of pictures and details through the SWBAC intranet, anyone wanting to cause trouble in our communities will find that they are quickly recognised and could find themselves no longer allowed into businesses in the towns we cover.”
Recently it was reported through the media that the Taunton Town Centre Company and Taunton BID were involved with the exclusion scheme and intranet. It was also incorrectly reported that the scheme operated on a three strikes basis. Mr Sharman responded: “Taunton Town Centre Company and Taunton BID are not involved in any operational activity of SWBAC. The exclusion scheme is not a special pilot but is merely the continuation of previous schemes in a district wide format. TTCC and Taunton BID have played no role in the development of our intranet system and is not a member or partner in the work of SWBAC.”
“We would also like to clarify that our exclusion schemes do not operate on a “three strikes” principle. For example, we will not allow someone to commit three separate violent attacks before we take action against them. While we understand that it is attractive for some organisations to reference our work, we would appreciate it if they referenced it correctly before going public with it.”
The exclusions last for a year and can be extended if the risk is still present. The orders can also be used to support further sanction such as Drinking Banning Orders or Anti-Social Behaviour Orders. Any business interested in joining SWBAC, can do so by visiting www.swbac.org.uk.
