Kent Police launch crime reduction scheme
Kent Police has launched a new campaign to help licensees reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.
The Safer Socialising Award, launched in partnership with Action Against Business Crime (AABC) - the national organisation for business crime partnerships is available to any business related to the night-time economy including taxi firms, cinemas, take-aways, restaurants and other venues.
It will encourage licensees to join together and work with police and other agencies to ensure known trouble-makers are identified and excluded from all licensed premises.
A panel made up of police, fire service, trading standards and local authorities will visit each venue and make an assessment according to a detailed set of criteria.
The panel look for evidence that the venue is well managed and has policies for ensuring things like doormen are trained, alcohol is served responsibly, health and safety is a priority, crime and disorder are deterred and there is an anti-drugs policy.
The scheme will be administered by local Business Crime Reduction Partnerships who will be responsible awarding relevant businesses to a gold, silver or bronze level of accreditation.
Kent's Assistant Chief Constable Allyn Thomas said: "The Safer Socialising Scheme shows that by working together, we can make our towns safer for people to enjoy at night-time. I am delighted Kent was involved in the pilot scheme and am sure it will become just as significant across the rest of the country."
Michael Schuck, chief executive of AABC, said: "AABC is delighted to have worked with Kent Police to develop the Safer Socialising Award as the national, inspected standard to reduce crime and disorder in the evening economy. The award will make a significant contribution to raising standards of management and reducing crime and I am pleased it is being adopted as national good practice
