Safer Business Action Week

Safer Business Action Week took place from 14 - 20 October, and this year we focussed on shouting about the benefits of Disc and launching Retail Reporting Packs exclusively for Colchester.

Supt Patrick Holdaway, lead for the National Business Crime Centre said: “The week of action is coordinated nationally, but it very much focussed on local crime and ASB issues impacting retail and other businesses in the community. It is as much about engaging with businesses and the public as it is about identifying and catching prolific offenders. Last year’s week of action saw some fantastic results in targeting those who cause the most harm to businesses and also in building ongoing relationships between business, partners and the police.”

Retail Reporting Pack

The brand new Retail Reporting Pack is the product of a collaboration between Chief Inspector Colin Cox & the Community Policing Team, Michelle Reynolds of COLBAC, and BID Manager Vincent Geaves.

Any crime is about capturing evidence at the earliest opportunity, and this pack equips users to support this process. It also covers frequently asked questions such as when to dial 999 vs. 101, when to use the online reporting platform, and how to submit CCTV and witness statements. Digital versions are available via Disc and printed versions can be supplied on request, and deployed by Jarred Rolfe, Our Colchester Ambassador.

PEOPLESAFE APP

During SaBA Week we boosted our sign ups for the Peoplesafe SOS App, from the world's largest supplier of lone working technology. We now have a total of 33 registrations.

While free personal safety apps are proven to increase confidence and feelings of safety, they rely on family and friends to react in an emergency situation and lack the ability to connect to the emergency services directly. The Peoplesafe SOS App is paid for by the BID and offers the security of trained professionals and direct access to police control rooms.

If you're considering the Peoplesafe SOS App for you or your business, you should ask yourself if the following applies to you, your colleagues or employees:

• Are you a levy payer or Friend of the BID? This App is free to those groups.
• Do you ever work alone?
• Does your job ever put you in a position where you're feeling vulnerable?
• Do you find yourself walking alone in the dark?

If you've answered yes to one or more of these questions then get in touch with Vincent@OurColchester.co.uk to express your interest and get signed up.

COLBAC

We used this week to refresh some basic radio skills with businesses. COLBAC supplies over 140 radios for both the day and nighttime economy and we want to ensure everyone is prepared, and comfortable using their equipment.

• Release the button and await your reply.
• You may hear back 'I can hear you loud and clear. Or Coming through loud and clear.
• You can simply reply 'Thank you'