News / city centre
Tackling criminal activity affecting businesses in the city centre
A new appointment has been made within Bristol’s three Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in an effort to address crime impacting local businesses and improve safety throughout the city.
Carmen Ceesay is the new partnership manager of the Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) whose job will entail “enhancing the safety and security of our business districts”.
Recent reports reveal that West of England has seen a 41 per cent rise of shoplifting over the past year, with Bristol hit particularly hard by both lone operators and organised criminal groups.
Carmen Ceesay is the new partnership manager of the Business Crime Reduction Partnership
An alumna of UWE Bristol, graduating in business and HR management, Ceesay promises to bring a vast experience in retail crime, HR, recruitment, performance management and coaching.
Ceesay said: “It’s fantastic to be joining the BID’s as the new BCRP manager and I can’t wait to begin working with businesses, Bristol City Council and Avon and Somerset Police on enhancing the safety and security of our business districts.
“By leveraging technology and strengthening partnerships within the area, we can continue to make a significant impact on reducing crime whilst supporting our members.”
A new appointment has been made within Bristol’s three Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in an effort to address crime impacting local businesses and improve safety throughout the city
Founded by Broadmead BID 17 years ago, the BCRP was reformulated in 2019 to include Bristol City Centre BID and in 2021 to include Redcliffe & Temple BID, as well as Cabot Circus and The Galleries.
It is a membership-based, business-led action group working alongside Avon & Somerset Police, the BIDs and Bristol City Council to tackle and reduce crime and disorder affecting businesses and the wider community.
BID says the initiative has been a vital force in uniting police, businesses and the council to address crime and safety in the city.
Through initiatives like the Database & Intranet for Safer Communities system, the partnership has enabled all parties to record and view incidents of anti-social behaviour and crime, share intelligence of known suspects and access summaries of all submitted incidents throughout the areas covered.
The system is hailed as “crucial” in implementing responses to criminal activity and tackling repeat offenders across Bristol.
All photos: Bristol City Centre, Redcliffe & Temple & Broadmead BIDs
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