New Crime Reduction Guide Available

THE Ballymena Business Improvement District (BID) today launched a new Retail Crime Reduction guide as part of its continued Crime Reduction Strategy.

The effects of retail theft are far reaching in the community and can have serious financial consequences for businesses.  This publication contains useful information for businesses in the Town Centre on a wide range of criminal activities and how to counteract them.

This new guide, produced by Ballymena Retailers Against Crime (BRAC) and Ballymena BID has been kindly sponsored by Ballymena PSNI, Ballymena Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mid and East Antrim Policing and Community Safety Partnership and Mercury Security Management.  Advice on risk assessing businesses in regard to staff safety has also been included to help owners meet their legal obligations.

Martin North, Chairman of Ballymena BID, Warden, Billy Hamilton, Cllr Audrey Wales MBE, Chairperson of BRAC, Trevor Parker, Development Manager, BRAC, Wendy Carson, PCP Manager, Willie Alexander, Ballymena BID Director and Chris Wales, Business Development Officer, Ballymena Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Following the launch, Martin North, Chairman of Ballymena BID, commented;“Retail Crime can have a major impact on the profits of your business and can even make the difference between success and closure. In order to support the retail community in combating retail crime, BRAC has, on behalf of Ballymena BID, produced the booklet which details guidance and advice for business owners and staff and which will hopefully be of help in reducing losses.

“I would like thank BRAC for producing this booklet, as part of the Ballymena BID Town Centre Crime Strategy.”

To help combat retail theft, the Ballymena BID will be publishing the overall Crime Strategy for the Town Centre in the near future and the Crime Reduction Booklet is one of a number of initiatives included in the strategic plan.

Audrey Wales MBE, Chairperson of Ballymena Retailers Against Crime, commented; “BRAC would like to thank the sponsors of the Retail Crime Reduction Guide for their support in producing this document. This is the first in a number of initiatives that BRAC will be instigating on behalf of BID to make the Town Centre a safer environment for the businesses and members of the public.”

Alison Moore, Ballymena BID Manager said; “This new guide will be a valuable resource for our local businesses to help continue our commitment to reduce retail crime.  A key objective of the BID is to produce a low crime Town Centre environment for both the business sector and the consumer.

“In the past year we have seen a significant reduction in retail crime in the Town Centre and this illustrates the value of having an overall crime strategy which is carried out by BRAC on behalf of the BID.

“I would encourage all retailers in the town centre to avail of their free guide and continue to be proactive in ensuring their business is protected. The booklet is a practical guide showing what measures should be taken to ensure your business is less likely to be targeted.”

The Retail Crime Reduction booklet will be delivered to all businesses in the Town Centre over the next few weeks. To find out more please contact Trevor Parker, BRAC Development Manager on 028 2564 6050.