Free reporting tool to help police stop retail crime in bay

BUSINESSES across Torbay are being asked to sign up to a free, powerful tool in the fight against retail crime.

- by STAFF REPORTER

A free 12-month subscription to the UK Partners Against Crime (UKPAC) business crime reduction solution promises a faster and easier way for traders to report issues ranging from shoplifting and anti-social behaviour (ASB) to threats of violence and intimidation to police.

The initiative forms part of the wider street focus: Torquay project a multi agency effort to tackle ASB and improve community safety in the town.

The UKPAC system is an online portal, also available as a smartphone app, that enables businesses to report crimes and share intelligence, allowing communities to work together against persistent and repeat offenders.

Police can then access this information to build stronger evidence files, increasing the chances of successful prosecutions and reducing crime on the high street.

Devon and Cornwall police and crime commissioner Alison Hernandez said: "Retail crime is not just a business issue it impacts the whole community, from safety and investment to the vibrancy of our town centres.