The Eastbourne Business Crime Group partnership has received a prestigious award which confirms the town as a safer place for its businesses and shoppers. The group’s scheme has been driven forward by the ECRP (Eastbourne Crime Reduction Partnership), which focuses on reducing business crime and public place violent crime.
The Safer Business Award was presented by David Leigh of Action Against Business Crime (AABC) to the Worshipful The Mayor Colin Belsey who accepted the award on behalf of the Business Crime Group.
Sandy Hobb, the scheme’s manager is delighted: “This is a brilliant endorsement of everyone in the team’s hard work to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in Eastbourne. EBCG’s members are working really well together to keep our premises safe for all who use them.”
Chief Inspector Bob Gough from Sussex Police said, “We have worked hard with our partners to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in Eastbourne and this award recognises those efforts. I'm very proud of our achievement and look forward to continued commitment to making the town a safer place.”
Mr Bill Plumridge, EBCG Daytime Chairman commented, “The Safer Business Award recognises the strengths and achievements of the partnership that exists between the various business organisations. It should provide reassurance that we are committed to safeguarding the well being of employees and visitors within Eastbourne.”
Chris Islip, Chairman of Nightwatch said, “This award reflects the outstanding achievement by EBCG who have demonstrated that partnership working can and does make Eastbourne a safer place to work, live and visit.”
After the presentation David Leigh from AABC said “The scheme has 150 members from a wide variety of businesses throughout the town that operate in both the day and night economy. Members have access to police photographs, collate and share information that is recorded on a database, which identifies the most persistent individuals involved in crime and anti social behaviour. There is also a sophisticated radio link and a very effective exclusion scheme that prevents the most prolific offenders from entering their premises. The key is good communication. The partnership helps to both prevent and detect crime.”
