Crime Reduction
Kingstonfirst helps businesses and police in tracking street crime and shoplifters, using the radio link system and CCTV. The radio system, which currently numbers 71 businesses, is working very well.
Our crime reduction initiative is coordinated by Business Crime Reduction Officer Paul Riordan, who took over this important role towards the end of 2005, building on the success of our crackdown on business crime and antisocial behaviour in the town centre. Paul also manages Kingston Business Against Crime (KBAC), which is a brand name recognized by the Metropolitan Police, Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames and many of the businesses in the town centre. Oceana, The Works, McCluskys and other businesses from the night-time economy are part of the Kingston Business Against Crime initiative, alongside major retailers, leisure and shopping centres.
KBAC acts as an umbrella organization that covers both the Business Watch (daytime) and Pub Watch (night-time) groups. It has monthly meetings that the police attend to give updates on what is happening in the town centre and pass on any significant information.
The function of the KBAC is to:
- Promote the prevention of all aspects of crime within the town's businesses and
- to make Kingston a safer place for everyone
What does KBAC do?
- administers the town's security radio network throughout the town with handsets
- collates incidient report forms from members on active offenders, in consultation with Metropolitan Police
- operates an exculsive scheme for persistent offenders, circulating their photographs to members
- allows members' to ban offenders from entering their premises
The system of incident reporting and gathering intelligence follows standards set by the Home Office. Membership is an annual fee of £20.
If you wish to join Kingston Business Against Crime, please download and complete the joining pack.
Paul can be contacted on Tel: 020 8547 2440 or via Email: paul.riordan@ktcm.co.uk