Day of action in fight back against retail crime in Falkirk town centre hailed a success
Falkirk town centre hosted a ‘day of action’ this week with Retailers Against Crime, police, partners and local businesses joining forces to tackle shoplifting and antisocial behaviour.
The day of action on Tuesday was hosted by Falkirk Delivers, the Business Improvement District (BID) for the town centre, with Retailers Against Crime and Falkirk’s community police leading the day.
Alongside them there was support from the British Transport Police, Falkirk Council’s CCTV team and around 35 partners and local businesses.
The day saw officers and partners working together to disrupt antisocial behaviour and prevent and detect shoplifting with the aim of keeping the town safe for everyone.
Those involved have hailed the targeted event – the first to be held by a BID – as success.
Throughout the day officers carried out more than ten stop searches and they seized an e-bike.
A total of 11 crimes were detected with three of them resulting in town centre bail being imposed.
This week’s day of action is part of the ongoing partnership work in the town centre as the festive season approaches.
It comes ahead of the annual Operation Christmas run by Police Scotland in Partnership with Falkirk Delivers, which takes place in December.
Elaine Grant, BID manager at Falkirk Delivers, said: “This is the first time a day of action like this has been held in a Business Improvement District town and we’re delighted it happened here in Falkirk.
"The support we’ve had from Retailers Against Crime and Police Scotland has been fantastic.
"We’re hoping this becomes a regular initiative and that it sends a clear, strong message to anyone involved in criminal activity that it won’t be tolerated in our town centre.”
Natasha Wilson, senior intelligence analyst at Retailers Against Crime, said: "Tuesday's success on the first day of action in Falkirk highlights the positive impact of our collaborative approach.
“With the support of the BID, local retailers and Police Scotland, we have demonstrated how working together can deliver positive outcomes.
"We recognise the importance of building on this success and keeping the momentum going.
"We look forward to continuing these days of action and strengthening our partnership to make a real difference across Falkirk."