19 October 2006
The Eastbourne Business Crime Group in partnership with Sussex Police, invited local businesses in the Brassey Avenue area of Hampden Park to a meeting on Thursday 12 October to discuss joining forces to tackle some of the anti social behaviour and business related crime, that causes these businesses concern.
The meeting was well attended with over a dozen businesses taking part in a lively debate around partnership working and information sharing that has proved such a success in the Town Centre. The already established partnership in the Town Centre has helped to reduce crime and increase the feeling of security of its members by sharing information between themselves, the police and Eastbourne Borough Council but most importantly by a state of the art radio link that offers the members the chance to pass information quickly and efficiently and also offers a support network from other members if they feel threatened.
Sandy Hobbs the Crime Group’s manager said “The radios are integral to maintaining a safe and more secure membership. As well as members being able to pass details to one another of offenders within their area, they also act as a great deterrent. PCSO’s and Sussex Police regularly monitor the radios, which increases their awareness and the members’ confidence.”
The local Neighbourhood Specialist Officers and their Sergeant attended the meeting and are keen for local businesses to start talking to one another, sharing information and being pro-active. The police high visibility patrols along with PCSO’s are starting to have a positive effect in reducing incidents in the area, but all are aware that this needs to be enhanced, and can be with greater partnership working.
All in attendance were keen for this type of forum to be a regular monthly meeting to keep the information flow fresh and updated. Sgt Ché Donald said “This is an excellent example of community cohesion and partnership working. I am very pleased with the response we received from the businesses local to the area, we will continue to meet regularly and assist in providing the best service we can deliver to this community”
