GMP supports Safer Business Action Day with work and action across force

Officers across Greater Manchester have taken part in a retail day of action today, supporting the National Business Crime Centre’s Safer Business Action Day (SaBA).

Greater Manchester Police regularly supports and takes part in the SaBA days, which sees neighbourhood teams prioritise and focus on all things retail-related in their districts.

This includes everything from locking up wanted shoplifters and monitoring criminal behaviour orders to raising awareness of violence against shopworkers and distributing crime prevention material.

SaBA days see police, businesses, private security, and other partners within the community working together to focus on reducing crime in their area. By specifically engaging with the public and stakeholders on the topic, officers can continue to build important relationships with those affected by the issue in the community.

While SaBA days provide a resource boost into the world of retail policing, officers work every single day to ensure businesses are kept safe in each of Greater Manchester’s ten districts.

This includes building positive working relationships with local retailers and building intelligence against those known to be repeat offenders – utilising appropriate orders and punishments to deter them.

GMP additionally continues to support #ShopKind, a campaign encouraging positive behaviour in shops and raising awareness regarding the violence that shopworkers can face. PCSOs on stalls across the force will be promoting the campaign – and officers will be informing people of the issues faced via the community messaging system Bee In The Loop.

Inspector Arron Cooper, from Greater Manchester Police, and who has overseen the arrangements for the SaBA day, said: “As a force, we are committed to tackling retail crime - from persistent shoplifters to those who seek to cause alarm and fear. Whether it’s a huge, big-brand supermarket, or a local corner shop or market, officers regularly meet with owners, management, and security to discuss how best to provide support.

“This SaBA day has seen officers across the entire force doing what they do best to tackle retail crime: high-visibility patrols, plain-clothes work, meetings, arrests, and more.

“If you are a shopworker or manager in Greater Manchester, please do get in touch with your local officers should you have any issues. They will be more than happy to assist you and provide you with crime prevention advice and tips.”

Edward Woodall, ShopKind Campaign Leader, said: “Safer Business Action Days are a great way for businesses and police forces to come together and tackle crime in the community. We encourage everyone to share the ShopKind messages and acknowledge the important work that retailers and shopworkers do on high streets and local parades.”