Latest news with #StroudSafe
BBC News
27-03-2025
- BBC News
Venues urged to sign up to Ask for Angela code-word scheme
Pubs and clubs are being encouraged to adopt the Ask for Angela scheme, which is a code word that people can say to bar staff if they feel District Council said it intends to include participation in the scheme as an expectation when it reviews its Licensing Policy later this Bienek, manager of The Retreat pub in the town centre, said: "Anything that helps towards the safety of people on a night out involving alcohol is a fantastic idea."In Tewkesbury, councillor will discuss whether to incorporate the scheme into licences while Cotswold district said it would watch other councils' progress on the scheme. Cheltenham has been recognised for many years with Purple Flag status for its vibrant and diverse mix of evening and night-time dining, entertainment and culture, whilst also promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and local residents. Venues' participation in the Ask for Angela scheme has helped achieve this status."We promote it through our PubWatch scheme and through our meetings with our local publicans," said Louis Krog, Head of Public Protection at Cheltenham Borough Council."We provide bystander training, there's Ask for Angela messaging, so it is engrained in everything we do in our engagement with the trade."Nationally and locally, violence against women and girls is on the national agenda, so awareness of this type of thing is definitely growing. Cheltenham has a large student population so we are trying to educate them on this as well." Stroud District Council said it actively promotes Ask for Angela through its Stroud Safe scheme, but it is still voluntary. However the authority intends to include participation in the scheme as a policy expectation when it reviews its Licensing Policy this Bienek's staff are all aware of the Ask for Angela scheme, and there are posters promoting the scheme in her pub."I think it should go hand in hand with your license. I don't think it should be a choice, I think it should be mandatory that any extra safety measures are put in place," said the The Retreat pub boss.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Action taken as shoplifting 'increases' in Stroud town centre
A COLLABORATION between police and partner agencies has been 'crucial' in the fight against shoplifting in the town centre. Last week police said they were out supporting retailers in Stroud town centre following a recent scourge of shoplifting. Officers say they have had 'great success' in tackling the issue over the last few months following various incidents. These include when a large amount of stock was returned to a retailer - with arrests made - after several huge trolley dash thefts. And, together with Stroud Safe, more has been done to identify, prevent and investigate shoplifting offences. Stroud mayor Tony Davey said: "Crime against business has grown across the country in recent years with Stroud also experiencing this growth in crime. "The Stroud Safe network in town is a vital tool in fighting back crime against business, and a valuable way to help our Neighbourhood Policing Team and Response Team react quickly and decisively." Steve Lindsay, from Gloucester City Safe, said: "A targeted policing initiative in Stroud aimed at combating rising retail crime rates has led to a significant increase in successful outcomes, highlighting the effectiveness of a collaborative approach to retail crime, working with Stroud Safe and businesses. "With retail crime rates climbing nationally and hitting the headlines, Stroud Police have made tackling this issue a priority by way of improving investigations, the area has been able to better identify, prevent, and investigate shoplifting offences. "A key part of this operation has been the introduction of a dedicated retail crime officer, who has played a crucial role in focusing resources and monitoring cases daily. "The officer's work has been instrumental in driving a coordinated response to retail crime, ensuring that every possible avenue is explored to address offenders, encourage behavioural change, and safeguard retailers. "Additionally, the local Neighbourhood Policing team has provided vital support, engaging with retailers to ensure swift evidence capture and the prompt progression of cases. "This has led to a range of successful outcomes, including charges, custodial sentences, civil injunctions/Criminal Behaviour Orders, and out-of-court disposals, all aimed at managing offenders and curbing repeat incidents. "The scheme has been particularly effective in tackling repeat and prolific offenders, who cause the greatest harm to businesses. "Recognising the financial and personal toll that shoplifting takes on business owners, employees, and the wider local community, Stroud Police have focused efforts on both preventing and addressing these crimes in a manner that ensures lasting impact. "Since the scheme's launch in November 2024, the initiative has seen dramatic improvements in its outcomes. "The average success rate for shoplifting offences has risen from just 19 per cent in the previous nine months to 52 per cent, marking a significant step forward in the fight against retail crime. "This success could not have been achieved without the active support and collaboration of businesses and community partners, whose involvement has been vital to the scheme's overall effectiveness. "Stroud Police remain committed to tackling retail crime through ongoing cooperation and an unwavering focus on protecting both retailers and the community."
