Help and support to prevent retail crime

Find organisations and initiatives that offer advice and support to help protect your retail business from crime, such as the PSNI and Retailers Against Crime.

There are a number of organisations and initiatives that offer advice and support to help protect your retail business from crime.

Retail Crimewatch

Retail Crimewatch is an information and image sharing exclusion order scheme between Belfast City Centre Management (BCCM), retailers and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

This crime reduction initiative allows retailers to serve civil exclusion orders on those found committing retail crime on their premises. The initiative is a partnership agreement between BCCM, the PSNI and Retail Crimewatch members.

Each month members receive images of individuals who have had previous convictions for shoplifting within Belfast City Centre. These individuals are banned from entering the premises of members. The scheme currently has over 400 members.

Policing and Community Safety Partnerships

The Policing and Community Safety Partnerships are local bodies made up of Councillors and independent people from each council area who work to make communities safer. They do this by focusing on the policing and community safety issues that matter most in that area.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland

The Police Service of Northern Ireland can deal with a crime when in happens, but it also provides advice to deter crime in your business. In a non-emergency situation you can contact the PSNI on Tel 101. For emergencies, where there is immediate danger, contact Tel 999. To report a crime anonymously contact Crimestoppers on Tel 0800 555 111.

PSNI's Safe Shop provides business owners with specialised skills to help them prevent crime and keep everyone safe on their premises. It is provided by local police and crime prevention officers at no cost.

Neighbourhood watch

Neighbourhood Watch is a crime prevention scheme that anyone can get involved in. As a retailer, taking part in your local Neighbourhood Watch can help protect your business and the community.

Retailers Against Crime

Retailers Against Crime (RAC) is a UK-wide retail crime partnership aiming to detect and deter crime. RAC identify and provide intelligence on organised crime and share information with the police. The organisation helps its members in identifying suspects and deterring crimes, making them aware of particular risks and the tactics used by criminals. You can contact the Retailers Against Crime Northern Ireland office on Tel 01786 471451 or by emailing infoni@retailersagainstcrime.org.

RadioLink

RadioLink is a radio communication service designed to help Belfast city retailers prevent and respond to crime by enabling real-time communication between businesses and the Police Service of Northern Ireland's CCTV service. This Belfast Chamber service allows retailers to share alerts about theft and fraudulent activity, track known offenders, and contact the police quickly through a direct ‘panic button’ link. RadioLink also provides training for retail staff, aiming to reduce crime, reduce fear of crime, and improve retailer confidence and safety.