Liverpool Holding Firm In Fight Against Shoplifters
12th January 2010
Liverpool Crime Alert, based in Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, has been running for eight years. The service encompasses support for retailers, hotels and car parks operating in the city centre.
Tony Jopson, The Chamber's Business Crime Reduction Manger, stated "Over this period we have seen a steady decrease in the recorded offences of shop theft in the city centre, from 1596 offences in 2001 to 1270 offences in 2009 set against a back drop of increased shoplifting nationally, particularly since the onset of the recession."
The team has also been instrumental in providing impact statements for successful ASBO applications, obtaining restrictions on certain individuals entering retail premises in the city further protecting retailers in the city centre from criminal activity.
Following an audit of the teams work, the Chamber's Crime Alert Team has earned a "Safer Business Award" for its successful work in the city centre. Tony explained: "We gained this award with "Distinction". It is similar to the Purple Flag Award but recognises good work and best practice within the retail sector. The award is made following an intense audit of all the systems and protocols used by the scheme.
"The award is an asset to the city. It ensures that our partners can continue to have confidence in the "Liverpool Crime Alert" scheme in relation to meeting with current legislation and any organisations looking to do business in the city can do so with confidence."
