What Do We Do?
Safer Streets
One of Kingstonfirst's main aims is to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in Kingston.
By working in partnership with the Metropolitan Police, local businesses and local government, we have managed to reduce violent crime by 37.6% since the BID commenced in 2005. This translates to more than 1300 fewer victims of crime each year.
KBAC
Kingstonfirst co-ordinate Kingston Business Against Crime (KBAC). There are over 150 members in Kingston town centre, representing all business sectors, including the police.
The function of 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
KBAC acts as an umbrella organization covering 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 to pass on any significant information.
Membership is free to all BID businesses.
If you wish to join KBAC, please click here to download and complete the joining pack. Any queries, please contact Kingstonfirst on 020 8547 1221.
What does KBAC do?
- Administers the town's security radio network
- Collates incident report forms from members on active offenders, in consultation with Metropolitan Police
- Operates an exclusion scheme for persistent offenders
- Allows members' to ban offenders from entering their premises
- Provides free training for business in loss prevention and conflict management
- Manages the Night time Economy
NBIS
KBAC uses the National Business Information System (NBIS) which allows us to share intelligence reports with 40 other town centres around the Country.
This database of retail offenders helps to support exclusions and applications for ASBOs. It can be used to record incidents where there has been no Police involvement.
Kingstonfirst has inputted 600 records in 3 years. One third of these have been dealt with through civil processes, saving Police time worth over £200,000.
Night Time Management
Effectively managing the night time economy is vital in reducing anti-social behaviour within Kingston town centre.
A number of successful initiatives have been introduced, including the following:
Night Time Manager
Kingstonfirst employ a Night Time Manager, Wilma Scott, to liaise with the businesses in our night time economy. She works three nights a week and one day.
Wilma oversees our Private Hire Kiosk operation and completes a daily report which is circulated amongst our partners.
Best Bar None
This UK wide scheme recognises the positive contribution made to our communities by responsible licensees and is part of a package of measures to promote a safe and sensible drinking culture.
The principal aims of the awards scheme are to:
- Promote responsible management and operation of alcohol-licensed premises, and
- Offer and maintain a safe, welcoming, attractive and lively drinking experience.
In 2008, Oceana were the proud winners of the Best Club/Late Night Venue award, with The Druids Head winning Best Pub.
Some of the qualities that venues were rewarded for were:
- Comprehensive Staff training
- Crime prevention systems in place
- Safe travel scheme available to staff
- Free soft drinks available to designated drivers
- Paramedic on duty
- Matrix to locate Door Supervisors and rotation for door supervisors every 30 minutes
- External security provided with numbered high-visibility vests
- Comprehensive CCTV coverage including use of head-cams
In 2009, representatives from Kingstonfirst and the winning venues were invited to the Houses of Parliament in recognition of their achievements.
Behave or Be Banned (BOBB)
Behave or Be Banned (BOBB) is a new initiative designed to minimise anti-social behaviour within the night time economy.
If individuals are cautioned or charged with using violence in the town centre, they can be banned from all Kingston Pub Watch premises.
