• Midlands Regional Crime Initiative

• Action Against Business Crime
  Safer Business Award

  Burton Business Crime Reduction Partnership achieved the Safer Business Award in May 2005.

  Burton upon Trent has become the first town or city in Staffordshire to gain this nationally recognised Safer Business Award. The Safer Business Award is awarded by the Action Against Business Crime organisation which is supported by the Home Office, British Retail Consortium, British Chambers of Commerce and the Police.

  SUPPORTING QUOTES

Moira Bertoni, Town Centre Manager

"We are pleased that all partners of the BBCRP have worked so well together to reduce crime within Burton Town Centre.

Much has been achieved over the last 12 months and we look forward to a safe, secure future in Burton upon Trent."

Dave Suszek, Business Crime Team Leader / BCRA, GOWM

"Congratulations on achieving the Safer Business Award. Not only are you the first to achieve the award in Staffordshire, I believe you are also the first Business Crime Partnership to achieve the award in this Government Office region. Well done to everyone concerned."

Chief Inspector Steve Mould, Trent Valley Division, Staffordshire Police

"We look forward to working together toward continued success.

It is only with the assistance of our partners that Trent Valley Division has been uniquely successful in Staffordshire by reducing violent crime to below 2004/2005 target levels.

We have no hesitation in committing our support to the Burton Business Crime Reduction Partnership."

Chief Superintendent Keith Smy, Divisional Commander, Trent Valley Division

"As the Divisional Commander, I accept the responsibility to provide a clear direction in the drive to deliver an effective policing service to the communities of Burton upon Trent.

In order to achieve success in the fight against crime, strong consistent partnerships are of paramount importance.

There is no doubt in my mind that it is thanks to continued support from partners such as the Burton Business Crime Reduction Partnership, that we are able to make a real difference and improve people’s quality of life.

Throughout Burton and East Staffordshire, levels of crime are falling and latest figures show that fewer East Staffordshire businesses are now victims of crime. The same goes for the number of house burglaries, vehicle crimes and particularly violent offences such as robberies.

We have also made tremendous strides in tackling town centre, drink related violence and anti-social behaviour and, with continued support from all our partners, we intend to keep doing so.

Our latest objectives involve making further in-roads into crime levels, particularly anti-social behaviour.

If we cannot prevent it, then we will do everything possible to disrupt it and bring to justice those who commit crime.

I strongly believe that winning the ‘war on crime and criminality’ is within our collective control. I instill this in my officers and staff at every opportunity and encourage partners and the community to contribute too.

Staffordshire Police’s recent performance has elevated it to the forefront of police performance nationally. Trent Valley Division is equally placed as a beacon of performance. This is something of which I, my staff, our partners and the community can continue to be proud."

Richard Barron, Regional Business Crime Manager, Action Against Business Crime

"Many congratulations on achieving the Safer Business Award. Burton Town Centre Management and their Partners have worked hard to achieve such a high standard in such a short time."

Glenn Fowler, Centre Manager, Burton Place Shopping Centre

"Since the formation of the new partnership scheme, during July 2004, the operation of the scheme, under the direction of Burton Town Centre Management, has gone from strength to strength.

The exchange of information, within scheme members, continues to play a major part in successfully dealing with the issues of Business and Retail Crime, together with the many anti-social behaviour issues that we all have to deal with in our every day lives."

David Chadfield, Centre Manager, Cooper's Square Shopping Centre

"The partnership is working extremely well and will continue growing in momentum. A positive reduction in shop theft has been recorded by members over the past 12 months and this is due to the partnership working together to reduce crime in the town centre. We hope that the partnership can increase its membership to ensure a safer environment."

John Pepperell, Centre Manager, Octagon Shopping Centre

"There is no substitute for good management, our success in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in the town centre is now improving the environment we live and work in, we are beginning to reap the rewards."

Paul Smedley, Midlands Regional Crime Initiative Ltd

Burton has been very successful over the past 12 months, as it has been able to address the requirements of the business community. Town Centre Management in partnership with the other agencies such as the police, local authority and businesses have worked hard towards the same goal, which is a safer, more attractive town centre.

This new partnership has been an excellent example of crime reduction partnerships, and has achieved good results already. Persistent, prolific offenders are being identified, and their activities are being curtailed. Businesses, both retail and evening economy, have benefited from this intelligent approach to creating a safer environment.

It is important in any community that the main organisations and stakeholders take the initiative, and I am pleased to report that Burton has done so. The partnership also works towards a better region, by sharing intelligence and best practice with other local towns.

By working together, we can stop many of our criminals from blighting our town centres, making them more attractive and pleasant places to live, work and visit.