New initiative launched against shoplifting and scams

Reducing retail crime and making Chiswick safer was top of the agenda as a new initiative was launched uniting local shops, businesses and banks in a bid to fight crime.

The first meeting of the Chiswick Business Leaders Forum was held at Marks & Spencer on the CHR to discuss ways of enhancing the current 'radio link' which alerts the police when staff spot suspicious behaviour.

Several stores signed up to the link when it was introduced two years ago and it has had some success. Police believe that criminals travel to W4 to committ crimes ranging from shoplifting, to bank scams and pickpocketing in pubs, restaurants and cafes.

The event was attended by senior managers from the large retailers, restaurateurs and a major High Street Bank. Debbie Dobson, Hounslow Business Against Crime Partnership gave a presentation offering support in enhancing a store link radio and providing training in deterring crime.

Police Sergeant Dave Turtle, Turnham Green Ward remarked "This is an exciting time for Chiswick. This marks a real opportunity to drive down the low level of crime that exists in Chiswick but also to improve the relatively high volume of crime in some stores that remains unreported and undetected. We want to ensure that working and living in Chiswick is an enjoyable and safe environment. "

Debbie Dobson, HBAC, commented " This was a great start. We can now take this forward and develop an engagement process and help to make businesses aware of crime prevention measures to make Chiswick safer. "

September 12, 2014