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Stirling’s retailers are invited to an intelligence briefing focused on training them to use a specialised crime-fighting tool.
They will have the chance to learn how to get the most benefit from the powerful SentrySIS (Secure Intelligence System) database which allows users to view real-time information and alerts about thefts and other crimes happening in the city.
The meeting, hosted by Go Forth Stirling Business Improvement District (BID) and Retailers Against Crime (RAC), takes place in the city’s Golden Lion Hotel at 9.30am on Tuesday November 18.
It is the third briefing aimed at providing shop owners with support and solutions to combat the ongoing rise in retail crime.
The briefings are also part of the BID’s commitment to strengthen partnership working and enhance intelligence sharing across the retail and business community.
Go Forth’s Project Director Danielle McRorie-Smith said: “It has been extremely positive to see so many businesses engaging with us during the previous two briefings as we look to find solutions to the challenges of retail crime and anti-social behaviour in the city.
“We take city centre safety extremely seriously – for our businesses, residents and visitors – and are focused on doing everything we can to help business owners tackle these issues.
“We urge anyone who runs a business in the city centre to come along, learn from the retail crime experts and join us to present a united front and send a message that Stirling is not a place which is open for crime.”
Stephanie Karté, National Operations Manager at RAC, said: “Retail crime is at an all-time high and now more than ever, we must stand together as a business community.
“The Retailers Against Crime Intel Briefing, in partnership with Go Forth Stirling BID, is a vital opportunity for us to unite, share intelligence and take collective action.
“Tackling this issue isn’t a short-term fix, it requires partnership, persistence and communication. The SentrySIS system empowers businesses to securely share information and stay one step ahead, helping to protect the city centre and create a safer environment for everyone.”
At the first briefing in July, local traders were introduced to the work of RAC and the advantages of their SentrySIS platform.
Go Forth covers the cost of RAC membership for all BID levy-paying members giving them access to SentrySIS to report crime, receive alerts about criminal activity and create evidence logs to help police detect offences.
During the second meeting in September, the retail crime experts highlighted CCTV footage of a criminal gang working together to steal high-value clothing and gave advice on the kinds of disguises used by shoplifters and the enterprising props they employ to conceal stolen goods.
November’s briefing will deliver a recap of the first two meetings and demonstrate to attendees exactly how to input incidents and fully utilise the SentrySIS system.
It is an ideal opportunity for any businesses requiring refresher training on SentrySIS and others who are interested in joining RAC.
The briefing takes place at the Golden Lion Hotel on King Street next Tuesday November 18 from 9:30am. Anyone planning to come along should register via Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1953282092319?aff=oddtdtcreator – or email admin@goforthstirling.co.uk to confirm their attendance.
Retailers Against Crime is a national retail crime partnership, established in 1997, which aims to detect and prevent crime by sharing information on local and travelling offenders with members and partners throughout the UK. More information is available on their website – www.retailersagainstcrime.org
Go Forth Stirling is the city’s BID representing more than 600 business owners with a key objective of increasing visitors to the city and devising initiatives to help make it a more welcoming destination for businesses and shoppers.
For more information visit www.goforthstirling.co.uk
