A Bradford Police Community Support Officer is helping to keep local retailers and companies protected against crime. PCSO Debra Newby from the Tong and Wyke Neighbourhood Policing Team has worked to create a โBusiness Watchโ network on Weaverthorpe Road. It follows concerns highlighted surrounding metal thefts, diesel thefts, shop lifting and anti social behaviour.
After working with shopkeepers and local managers during her patrol, PCSO Newby held the first meeting of the group in February. She says it is already generating interest: โThe group is currently comprised of around seven businesses and companies with three more having expressed an interest.
โThis includes major retail companies, the local bingo hall, a vehicle hire firm and a haulage company, to name just a few. Whilst I was undertaking my routine patrols, I was speaking to these businesses on a daily basis.
โI realised that many of them were experiencing similar issues and that by working together, we could be more effective in tackling the problems they had each identified.
โTrespassing and metal theft for instance, were of particular concern with a number of instances where items had been taken from vehicles or equipment removed used for food deliveries.
โBy implementing the Business Watch on Weaverthorpe Road we can put a stop to this by being each others the eyes and ears. We have first started up an information sharing network where each business can keep each other updated via a quick ring round.
โDuring our meeting last week, we also spoke to the retailers and managers about the importance of informing the police of any incidents or suspicious activity. The local Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator was also able to offer their expertise to the group.
โUltimately, this will work to turn the tables on the minority whose actions are causing determent to local business and make them the target of enforcement. Our next meeting is due on the 8 March were we hope to progress the work of the group, appointing a chair and a secretary.โ
