Stirling’s business community has united to combat crime and antisocial behaviour in the city centre. Retailers have teamed up by subscribing to the Retailers Against Crime (RAC) SentrySIS platform. This platform enables them to share real-time information and alerts regarding thefts and other criminal activities occurring in the city. The system, offered at no cost to Stirling’s Business Improvement District (BID) members, has proven effective in identifying perpetrators of various offenses.
The initiative was spearheaded by Project Director Danielle McRorie-Smith three years ago in response to complaints from Stirling traders about antisocial behaviour. The scheme has since grown significantly with more business owners signing up, making it a vital tool for crime identification and alerting retailers to ongoing issues and offenders. Go Forth Stirling BID is now encouraging more retailers to participate in this innovative program to enhance its impact further.
Major user of SentrySIS, The Thistles, has seen security staff successfully identify perpetrators of assaults and thefts based on information shared by independent retailers across the city centre. Center Director Gary Turnbull emphasises the importance of collective action among businesses to combat crime effectively. The system has also been utilised by the police, providing valuable information for their investigations.
Lisa Davidson from Tinkerbells Emporium praises SentrySIS for facilitating communication among business owners and enabling them to stay informed about challenging customers. The scheme, subsidised by Go Forth, offers RAC membership to levy-paying and voluntary BID members, granting them access to the SentrySIS platform to report crimes, receive alerts, and assist in police investigations.
Retailers Against Crime, established in 1997, focuses on detecting and preventing crime by sharing information on offenders with members and partners throughout the UK. National Operations Manager Stephanie Karté highlights the success of the partnership with Go Forth Stirling in allowing retailers to report persistent offenders and collaborate effectively towards a safer community. Business owners interested in joining the SentrySIS platform and becoming RAC members can contact admin@goforthstirling.co.uk for more information.
In conclusion, the joint efforts of Stirling’s business community through the SentrySIS platform demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing crime and antisocial behaviour in the city centre. By working together and sharing information, businesses contribute to creating a safer environment for all residents and visitors.