New crime-busting partnership for Archway and Nag’s Head businesses

The Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) will bring together local businesses, such as hairdressers, pubs and shops, including department store, Selbys, to help fight against crime and ASB.

These businesses will gain access to a secure intelligence database where they can communicate with police, share news, get crime prevention advice, and log incidents.  

Also 30 selected businesses will join a digital radio network, so they can communicate directly with each other and enforcement teams.

Membership to the BCRP is valued at more than £600 per business per year and this is being funded by the programme partners until April 2025.

Islington Council and Safer Business Network, who operate BCRPs in 56 town centres across London, will offer free training and events to participating businesses. The training will help staff identify and support vulnerable customers, manage conflict and promote equality in the workplace.  

A coordinator from Safer Business Network and a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) from the police’s Junction Safer Neighbourhood Team will be dedicated to the partnership. There will also be extra support from the council’s Community Safety Team and Inclusive Economies Team.

Dr Giulia Faggio, Reader in Economics at City St George's, will review the project's impact, which will provide, for the first time, clear and robust evidence of the effectiveness of a BCRP in reducing business crime. This will be instrumental for gaining support for similar safety initiatives that promote collaboration among the police, local government, and the community.

Cllr John Woolf, Executive Member of Community Safety, said: "Everyone in Islington deserves to feel safe, including our brilliant local business owners and their employees.  

“The launch of this Business Crime Reduction Partnership is a significant step forward in our efforts to create a safer environment for our local businesses. By working together, we can tackle crime more effectively and support our business community to thrive without the fear of crime and antisocial behaviour.  

“This collaborative approach demonstrates our commitment to ensuring Islington remains a welcoming place for all." 

Sean Doyle, Store Manager of Selbys and Chair of Nag’s Head Town Centre Management Group, said: “I am excited for the creation of a Business Crime Reduction Partnership covering Nag’s Head to Archway. This is a much needed and welcomed initiative in our area.

"I would encourage all businesses to sign up to the BCRP so we can work with the police, council and Safer Business Network to tackle crime and ASB. It’s free to join and businesses will have access to free training, a secure intel system and free events.” 

Caroline Sipos, Civic Engagement and Regional Development Manager from City St George's, said: "I am thrilled for City St George's to be a partner in this worthwhile and important regional innovation project.

"It is the first of its kind combining the national model of a Business Crime Reduction Partnership with input at the onset from a university academic (Dr Giulia Faggio) and we are looking forward to working collaboratively for the benefit of our Borough's businesses and residents."