Menu
30/07/2008
'The Beat Goes On' For Belfast's Retail Cops
Funding for two dedicated police officers in Belfast city centre has been extended for another year.
The privately financed 'City Centre Beat' officers have targeted anti-social behaviour, illegal street trading and retail offences in Belfast since 2005.
The initiative, funded by Belfast City Council and the Chamber of Trade and Commerce, also aims to "reduce the fear of crime".
The two officers have a strategic partnership with Belfast City Centre Management, and respond directly to call-outs by retailers across the city.
The success of the scheme during its first three years of operation has led to its extension for another year.
Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland said: "The Belfast City Centre Beat initiative has proved a resounding success, and I am delighted that it can be extended for another year.
"The initiative operates in conjunction with other schemes such the Citysafe Crimewatch network, which links businesses so they can share information, and the Get Home Safe initiative, which is aimed at keeping the streets safe at night.
"This multi-agency approach has resulted in a huge reduction in anti-social behaviour, illegal street trading and traffic violations, making Belfast a much safer and more pleasant place to live, work and spend time.
"Working in partnership to tackle crime in Belfast City Centre is producing excellent results and I look forward to another successful year for Belfast City Centre Beat."
John Moore, President of Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said: "The City Centre Beat partnership has been extremely effective from day one, quickly eradicating illegal street trading, improving traffic movement around the city centre as well as significantly reducing anti-social behaviour.
"The benefits of this partnership means we were able to develop a tailored community policing scheme for the City Centre to respond to quality of life issues for the business community."
Earlier this month a similar policing initiative was launched for Victoria Square, which will now see two permanent officers patrol the massive complex.
Belfast City Centre Manager, Andrew Irvine, said: "The City Centre Beat partnership has been extremely effective from day one, quickly eradicating illegal street trading, significantly reducing anti-social behaviour and reducing stock loss due to shoplifting by some 51% in Belfast City Centre, saving retailers more than £8 million.
"It made perfect sense to extend this scheme into Victoria Square, one of the most exciting new retail environments in the UK and Ireland.
"The benefits of this partnership meant that we were able to develop a tailored community policing scheme for Victoria Square, maximising the use of resources and delivering in a measurable way," he added.
Both initiatives operate in addition to the wider service provided by sector police in Belfast.
(PR)
The privately financed 'City Centre Beat' officers have targeted anti-social behaviour, illegal street trading and retail offences in Belfast since 2005.
The initiative, funded by Belfast City Council and the Chamber of Trade and Commerce, also aims to "reduce the fear of crime".
The two officers have a strategic partnership with Belfast City Centre Management, and respond directly to call-outs by retailers across the city.
The success of the scheme during its first three years of operation has led to its extension for another year.
Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland said: "The Belfast City Centre Beat initiative has proved a resounding success, and I am delighted that it can be extended for another year.
"The initiative operates in conjunction with other schemes such the Citysafe Crimewatch network, which links businesses so they can share information, and the Get Home Safe initiative, which is aimed at keeping the streets safe at night.
"This multi-agency approach has resulted in a huge reduction in anti-social behaviour, illegal street trading and traffic violations, making Belfast a much safer and more pleasant place to live, work and spend time.
"Working in partnership to tackle crime in Belfast City Centre is producing excellent results and I look forward to another successful year for Belfast City Centre Beat."
John Moore, President of Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said: "The City Centre Beat partnership has been extremely effective from day one, quickly eradicating illegal street trading, improving traffic movement around the city centre as well as significantly reducing anti-social behaviour.
"The benefits of this partnership means we were able to develop a tailored community policing scheme for the City Centre to respond to quality of life issues for the business community."
Earlier this month a similar policing initiative was launched for Victoria Square, which will now see two permanent officers patrol the massive complex.
Belfast City Centre Manager, Andrew Irvine, said: "The City Centre Beat partnership has been extremely effective from day one, quickly eradicating illegal street trading, significantly reducing anti-social behaviour and reducing stock loss due to shoplifting by some 51% in Belfast City Centre, saving retailers more than £8 million.
"It made perfect sense to extend this scheme into Victoria Square, one of the most exciting new retail environments in the UK and Ireland.
"The benefits of this partnership meant that we were able to develop a tailored community policing scheme for Victoria Square, maximising the use of resources and delivering in a measurable way," he added.
Both initiatives operate in addition to the wider service provided by sector police in Belfast.
(PR)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 April 2004
Business membership figures show 'massive' increase
Figures released today by Belfast City Centre Management and the Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce show a massive increase in the number of businesses joining their joint membership scheme.
Business membership figures show 'massive' increase
Figures released today by Belfast City Centre Management and the Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce show a massive increase in the number of businesses joining their joint membership scheme.
19 September 2018
Primark Donates £500,000 To Support Businesses Affected By Fire
Retailer Primark is donating £500,000 to Belfast City Council's City Recovery Investment Fund. The fund is being set up after a number of businesses have been severely affected by the fire at the Bank Buildings which happened over three weeks ago. A cordon remains in place and 14 firms have been closed for up to four months.
Primark Donates £500,000 To Support Businesses Affected By Fire
Retailer Primark is donating £500,000 to Belfast City Council's City Recovery Investment Fund. The fund is being set up after a number of businesses have been severely affected by the fire at the Bank Buildings which happened over three weeks ago. A cordon remains in place and 14 firms have been closed for up to four months.
15 March 2004
St Patrick's Day event has support of BCC says councillor
The Chairman of Belfast City Council’s Good Relations Steering Panel has challenged claims that the Council is not supporting St Patrick’s Day in Belfast. It follows a protest outside Belfast City Hall last week by the St Patrick's Carnival Committee who claim the Council isn't funding this year's event at the City Hall.
St Patrick's Day event has support of BCC says councillor
The Chairman of Belfast City Council’s Good Relations Steering Panel has challenged claims that the Council is not supporting St Patrick’s Day in Belfast. It follows a protest outside Belfast City Hall last week by the St Patrick's Carnival Committee who claim the Council isn't funding this year's event at the City Hall.
02 March 2022
Design Ideas Sought For New Belfast Stories Site
Early career architects are being invited to pitch their creative concepts for the temporary use of a vacant site on the corner of Royal Avenue and North Street, the location for the £100m Belfast Stories tourism destination.
Design Ideas Sought For New Belfast Stories Site
Early career architects are being invited to pitch their creative concepts for the temporary use of a vacant site on the corner of Royal Avenue and North Street, the location for the £100m Belfast Stories tourism destination.
23 July 2009
Belfast 'Twelfth' Was Shopping Hit
Initial feedback on the commercial impact of Belfast shops being open over the traditional 'Twelfth' celebration has been excellent. This year's event, titled 'Orangefest' on 13 July witnessed Belfast city centre shops opening on the day of the parades for the first time.
Belfast 'Twelfth' Was Shopping Hit
Initial feedback on the commercial impact of Belfast shops being open over the traditional 'Twelfth' celebration has been excellent. This year's event, titled 'Orangefest' on 13 July witnessed Belfast city centre shops opening on the day of the parades for the first time.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
