By admin 
More than 28 pubs and shops in the town of Tewkesbury have joined forces to reduce corporate crime.
The Tewkesbury Safe shop and pub watch program brings together local retailers and licensees to tackle crimes such as shoplifting or anti-social behavior (ASB), supported by Tewkesbury Borough Council’s Community Safety Partnership.
The majority of Tewksbury’s night-time economy is used safely and sensibly. However, the Tewkesbury Safe night economy will now operate a yellow and red card for anyone behaving anti-socially in members-licensed premises.
Staff at member locations may issue yellow cards to offenders involved in crime, disorder or ASB in or near their location. Offenders, including those in a licensed premises, will be brought before an independent panel to decide whether they will receive a warning or ban.
Cllr Alex Hegenbarth, lead member for community and housing at Tewkesbury Borough Councilsaid: “I’m delighted that Tewkesbury Safe has been launched. Earlier this year Tewkesbury was named one of the safest places to live in Britain. However, we are not complacent and are working with partners to deliver safer communities. such as shoplifting and anti-social behavior can have serious consequences for staff and customers, as well as for a company’s bottom line and reputation.
“Local businesses are encouraged to join the scheme and display a Tewkesbury Safe membership sticker. We hope this will reassure customers that the businesses are working with local councils and the police to provide a safer environment for all.”
The plan is supported by Tewkesbury Borough Council and Tewkesbury Town Council. The Office of Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Gloucestershire allocated £15,000 to fund the scheme, which helped support the supply and installation of Tewkesbury Safe membership materials, radios, an Ofcom license, site assessments and reporting tools.
Inspector Grant White of the Tewkesbury Community Policing Team said: “Members of Tewkesbury Safe will benefit from reduced crime and anti-social behavior on their premises.
“We have seen the success of other schemes such as City Safe, which has over 200 members from a range of businesses in Cheltenham, Stroud, Cirencester and Gloucester, including shops, pubs, clubs, takeaways and transport services.
“Tewkesbury was the last area within the county to become part of this plan. By joining, the county will benefit from a standardized and uniform approach when it comes to retail crime and the night-time economy, giving Tewkesbury the same level of service as all other areas. other areas and that we can share our best working practices.
“These types of schemes have seen 46 shoplifting offenders charged or deterred through various measures in the last 12 months and have reduced reoffending by 80% overall.”