BELFAST BIDS LAUNCH PARTNERSHIP TO SUPPORT TACKLING CRIME AGAINST BUSINESSES IN THE CITY

Belfast city centre’s three Business Improvement Districts (BID): Cathedral Quarter BID, Belfast One BID and Linen Quarter BID have announced the launch of a new Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP), creating a coordinated, intelligence-led response to crime and antisocial behaviour targeted at businesses across in Belfast city centre. The initiative is designed to strengthen confidence, protect frontline teams and support the continued economic vitality of the city centre.

Building on the positive work already taking place across the city, BCRP will work collaboratively with key city stakeholders and, importantly, businesses. The partnership establishes, for the first time, a dedicated and structured focus on tackling crime against businesses in Belfast city centre.  Introducing a proactive approach to preventing and responding to retail theft, repeat offending and antisocial behaviour, helping ensure businesses, staff and customers are both safe and feel safe.

Commissioned by the three Belfast BID’s, the Safer Business Network (SBN), a nationwide company with significant experience will deliver the BCRP initiative. Operating the Business Crime Reduction Partnerships across the UK, a recent survey of members revealed that  more than 80% reported feeling safer as a result of participation in the partnership.

A core feature of the initiative is the introduction of the Alert by Shopsafe platform – a 24/7 reporting and intelligence-sharing tool available free to city centre businesses. The platform allows businesses to report incidents quickly and securely, receive alerts on crime trends and stay informed about potential disruptions such as protests or parades. By improving both the volume and quality of intelligence shared, the partnership aims to turn information into action.

The BCRP enables real-time information sharing, collective identification of repeat offenders and coordinated enforcement action. Through improved reporting standards, enhanced intelligence flow to PSNI and a unified business voice, the partnership will target repeat offenders and support evidence gathering that contributes to successful prosecutions.

Success of the project will be measured through platform uptake and engagement, intelligence quality, identification of repeat offenders, structured safety surveys and evidence of coordinated action with PSNI and partners.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly said:
“Belfast city centre is the beating heart of our city’s economy and a place where people should feel safe to work, shop and spend time. Businesses and their staff should not have to face crime or antisocial behaviour as part of their daily working lives. This new Business Crime Reduction Partnership shows what can be achieved when the BIDS, businesses, and key city stakeholders come together with a shared determination to tackle these issues. By improving information sharing and taking a coordinated approach, we can send a clear message that crime against businesses will not be tolerated and that we are committed to protecting Belfast’s city centre as a welcoming and safe place for everyone.”

Tzvetelina Bogoina, Chair Cathedral Quarter BID commented:
“The launch of the Business Crime Reduction Partnership represents a significant step forward for our city centre. By working collectively and sharing intelligence in real time, we are sending a clear message that crime against business and antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated. Safer businesses mean a stronger Belfast city centre, and this partnership ensures our members have both a voice and a practical mechanism to drive change.”

Safer Business Network Chief Executive, Hannah Wadey added:
“Retail theft and antisocial behaviour have a direct impact on staff wellbeing, visitor confidence and investment in the city centre. This partnership strengthens our ability to support the PSNI and their response to business crime. By improving reporting from businesses and enhancing the flow of intelligence to the PSNI and partner agencies, we can play a part in building a safer, more resilient environment for everyone who lives, works and visits Belfast.”

Businesses are encouraged to register, actively report incidents and participate in engagement sessions to ensure the strongest possible collective response to crime. For further information contact the Business Crime Reduction Officer chris.agnew@saferbusiness.org.uk