Shoppers should feel safer after a new digital system has been installed in Northallerton, to help the businesses, CCTV and the Police work closer together to both detect and deter crime.
The Police and Crime Commissioners Office are supporting the digital upgrade of the security radio system in the town through their Community Fund. The Northallerton Retail and Business Forum has secured £5,419 towards the upgrade, which became operational on 1 February.
“This funding will provide valuable support which, together with a strong partnership approach to business crime, will provide a safer environment for our residents and visitors whilst helping to protect our market town businesses” said Councillor Peter Wilkinson, Deputy Leader of Hambleton District Council.
The scheme allows shopkeepers, the Police and the CCTV control team at Hambleton District Council to stay in touch and report to each other if there are criminals active in the area. This system alerts the staff in the shops to be particularly vigilant.
Assisted by the Community Safety and Business Teams at Hambleton District Council, the Police and the businesses in Northallerton have been able to work together and draw in this support to upgrade the system. This will make them more effective at communicating this vital information around the town.
The original lead for this to be taken forward in Northallerton came from a business lunch when business leaders came together with Hambleton District Council politicians to share plans for the future.
Julia Mulligan, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire added “This new security radio system ensures that retailers, the police and the council are firmly on the front foot when it comes to protecting against thieves and criminal activity in the town.
“Partnership working is key and this new system is enabling the alarm to be raised efficiently and clearly whenever there is a threat to businesses.”
And Charles Barker, Chair of Northallerton Retail and Business Forum confirmed “Staff are already feeling safer by being on the newly upgraded radio scheme.”