SHARP-EYED security staff and police are detecting more than 70% of all shoplifting crime at Chester city centre stores.
Lord Henley, the Minister for Crime Prevention and Anti-Social Behaviour Reduction, saw this model of best practice in operation when he visited the city.
Run by Chester Against Business Crime and police, the partnership involves radio-linked store security staff working in tandem with police officers and PCSOs using the state-of-the-art CCTV systems.
Lord Henley walked around the city centre with the council’s Business Crime Manager Bob Lelliot where he spoke to local business people and toured the CCTV control room.
He also took part in a round table discussion involving Cheshire West and Chester councillors, police and partners.
Council leader Cllr Mike Jones said: “I am very proud to support Chester Against Business Crime and of what they have achieved – it has become a beacon of best practice which has been recognised nationally.
“There is no doubt its activities have helped make Chester a safer city for residents, workers, visitors and businesses.
“I am sure that Lord Henley will have been impressed by what he saw.”
Chester Against Business Crime holds weekly meetings with the retail sector and agencies involved with crime reduction in the city to share information on criminal activity.
There are 270 radios under its control titled the Co-Sign radio link which are used by businesses and partners in emergencies including theft and disorder.
Weekly bulletins provide accurate information on a range of topics.
