Shoplifting stats '˜well down' in Ballymena

Instances of retail theft in Ballymena have been dramatically cut back thanks to a strong partnership between local business and the police.
Announcing the latest retail theft figures which are down by 14.7% on the same period from last year, are from front left, Billy Hamilton (Safety Warden), Chief Inspector Simon Ball, Wendy Carson (PCSP Manager), Trevor Parker (BRAC Manager), Alison Moore (BID Manager) and Councillor Andrew Wilson (PCSP Chair) and back row Constable Kelly Kirk and Constable Rhonda Nimick.Announcing the latest retail theft figures which are down by 14.7% on the same period from last year, are from front left, Billy Hamilton (Safety Warden), Chief Inspector Simon Ball, Wendy Carson (PCSP Manager), Trevor Parker (BRAC Manager), Alison Moore (BID Manager) and Councillor Andrew Wilson (PCSP Chair) and back row Constable Kelly Kirk and Constable Rhonda Nimick.
Announcing the latest retail theft figures which are down by 14.7% on the same period from last year, are from front left, Billy Hamilton (Safety Warden), Chief Inspector Simon Ball, Wendy Carson (PCSP Manager), Trevor Parker (BRAC Manager), Alison Moore (BID Manager) and Councillor Andrew Wilson (PCSP Chair) and back row Constable Kelly Kirk and Constable Rhonda Nimick.

It has been revealed that ‘shoplifting’ decreased by 14.7% in the period April to March 2016 when compared with the same period in 2014/2015.

Ballymena BID Company’s ‘Safer Cleaner and Accessible Group’ oversee the crime strategy for Ballymena town centre with the overall objective to produce a low crime town centre environment for both the business sector and the consumer.

Ballymena PSNI, in partnership with Ballymena Retailers Against Crime (BRAC), Ballymena BID Company and the Police Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) all play an instrumental part in reducing retail crime.

PSNI Chief Inspector Stephen McCauley said; “The reduction in retail theft in Ballymena over the past twelve months can be attributed to the excellent working partnership between the PSNI, BRAC radio link scheme, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council CCTV scheme and Ballymena BID Co/PCSP Town Centre Warden Scheme.

“By working together, it has resulted in a reduction of 14.7% over the corresponding period in 2014/2015. It sends a strong message that Ballymena is continuing to tackle retail theft.”

The effects of retail theft are far reaching in the community and can have serious financial consequences for businesses.

To help combat retail theft, certain schemes like the radio link scheme employed in the town is proving invaluable to local retailers.

Audrey Wales, Chairperson of Ballymena Retailers Against Crime, commented; “This is really good news for the business community in the town centre. In the current economic climate businesses cannot afford losses to retail theft, which can be minimised by being part of the Radio Link Scheme.”

Alison Moore, Ballymena BID Manager stated; “This represents a significant reduction in retail crime and illustrates the value of having an overall crime strategy which is carried out by BRAC on behalf of the BID Company”.

Trevor Parker, Development Manager for Ballymena Retailers Against Crime, appealed directly to any business not already a member of radio link to contact him at 028 2564 6050 to obtain information on the scheme.

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