A NEW crime prevention tool aimed at supporting businesses in Bromsgrove district and Redditch town centre has been launched.
Designed as a user friendly mobile application, the Dynamic Incident System for Communities (DISC) system allows businesses which have signed up to a data sharing agreement to securely share images of known offenders.
The app also allows business owners to add witness statements, alert users of such issues as counterfeit notes in circulation, report incidents directly to police, and effectively coordinate responses to security threats.
In Bromsgrove, the project has been funded and driven by the district council and aims to reduce theft, as well as help local retailers and businesses better protect themselves and their property, staff, and customers.
West Mercia Police, safer neighbourhood inspector, Richard Field, said: “DISC enables shops and key agencies to work together to address local crime and an opportunity to feed intelligence of known offenders to each other.
“By working together in partnership, it can address local crime trends, support our retailers and local shopkeepers.
“West Mercia Police has invested heavily in technology and strives to be a tech-enabled crime fighting service, schemes like this support our vision.”
Deputy leader of the council and portfolio holder for economic development and regeneration, Coun Sue Baxter, said: “This is a collaborative tool which we can use to reduce low-level crime and antisocial behaviour.
“I hope businesses around the district get on board because it has the potential to make a big difference to crime reduction, as well as reducing the losses experienced because of theft and criminal behaviour.”
In Redditch, the scheme has been driven by the town’s Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with the Kingfisher Centre and Redditch Borough Council which has funded the launch of the scheme.
Muj Rahman manager at Redditch BID, said: “The launch of DISC marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to safeguard businesses in Redditch town centre and we are offering this free to all of our members.
“By working in partnership with key stakeholders, we can improve safety and security in our town and empower businesses to actively deter criminal activity and ensure a secure environment.”
Adrian Field, general manager at Kingfisher Redditch added: “I have had first hand experience of DISC whilst working in other areas and it is a really effective system which the businesses can proactively get involved in and get so much out of in order to reduce stock loss and threats to staff which across the UK are a known issue at the moment.
“We are delighted that town centre businesses can benefit from this system and continue to further improve safety and security at no extra cost to them thank to the BID’s lead on its delivery.’
Portfolio holder for community safety, Coun Monica Stringfellow, said: “The council is proud to have funded this initiative and be working in partnership with the local Business Improvement District.
“Together, we aim to create a safer and more prosperous environment for our traders and community. I encourage businesses to sign up, as it has the potential to significantly impact crime reduction and help minimise the losses from theft and other criminal activities.”
Businesses wanting to get involved in the Bromsgrove scheme can email [email protected] to register.
Go to https://discagainstcrime.com/ for more information.
Visit redditchbid.co.uk or email Muj Rahman at [email protected] for more on Redditch BID
