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info@towncentrebid.co.uk 
Bournemouth Town Centre BID Chief Operating Officer, Paul Kinvig, chaired the National Association of Business Crime Partnerships 2023 conference in London last week. The event brought together an audience of BIDs, statutory agencies, senior national retailers, police and crime commissioners, crime reduction partnership personnel and many other key organisations.
Mr Kinvig said: “It was a real honour to be asked to do this and the conference offered some valuable insights.”
He said “retail crime and anti-social behaviour reduction must be a front and centre priority for those everyone invested in town and city reimagining. All those with statutory authority must focus on the serious issues affecting our business communities, but everyone has part to play in this. It’s clear that Business Crime Reduction Partnerships must and will play a pivotal role in addressing these serious issues.”
Mr Kinvig added: “The conference was a focal point to hear from experts, create stronger partnerships and look for effective ways of delivering change, safety and security, to the diverse communities we serve.”
The launch of a new conurbation-wide Business Crime Reduction Partnership for Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole is imminent.
Meanwhile Dorset Police and BCP Council have issued a reminder to the business community on the imperative of reporting crime.
They say problems relating to crime and anti-social behaviour can only be tackled if agencies are aware of the issues. In some instances people think others will report the problem, when in reality the problem has not been reported at all.
In an emergency, when a crime is in progress, or there is a risk to life or property ring 999.
If the situation is not an emergency but you need to speak to a local police officer, report information about a crime or incident, or need crime prevention advice either:
- call Dorset Police on 101, email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or go to https://www.dorset.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/
- You can also contact the council to discuss concerns about ASB: asbteam@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
Since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began on October 7th, there have been a number of high profile protests in UK cities and a marked increase in hate crime reporting.
The advice from the authorities is that if you or your staff are concerned about suspicious activity, people or potential hate crime, it is important that you report the details to Dorset Police.