Swindon Police engage with businesses to help reduce crime

Police officers worked with businesses as part of a Safer Business Action Day in Swindon town centre.

The day aimed to focus on business crime and support the business community
Officers say business crime is under reported, and urge more people to report concerns.

A total of 75 businesses across Swindon were visited as part of the Safer Business Action (SaBA) day, aimed particularly at reducing shoplifting.
A force spokesperson said: "The Safer Action Business Days are being held nationally across all police forces in the month of March and the day is aiming to put a focus on business crime and support the business community in Swindon Town Centre."
Actions in Swindon included:
- Three shoplifters were dealt with; one was arrested remanded in custody and two were dealt with with Out Of Court Resolutions
- Four people seen begging were moved on and intelligence was submitted
- 15 Intelligence reports surrounding drugs, weapons and anti-social behaviour
- 75 businesses were visited and a survey undertaken with them to address any concerns they have
- Posters supporting the ShopKind campaign, raising awareness about abuse towards shop workers were given to every store to display
- The mobile van was deployed to Wharf Green for community engagement
Sgt Claire Davidson said: “The SaBA days are a great opportunity to increase engagement with retail businesses and tackle some of the most prolific offenders when it comes to shoplifting and violence against business owners and staff.
“We get hundreds of reported incidents of shoplifting every year but we know this is just a fraction of all crimes. Under reporting is widely acknowledged by the retail sector. 
"Through greater information sharing there is the opportunity to further disrupt and arrest prolific offenders, prevent violence and antisocial behaviour and provide reassurance to the public and businesses.”
Advice and support will be available to retailers in the form of crime and violence prevention advice and the opportunity to join the Force-wide Business Watch initiative through the Community Messaging system. The public are also being asked to be alert and help report shoplifting offences to shop staff or directly to Wiltshire Police.
Anybody who sees a crime in progress is advised tell shop staff or call 999.