Retailers have responded positively after extra security was provided on Bangor High Street during December.
The initiative, organised and funded by Bangor Business Improvement District (BID), involved high visibility security patrols on the High Street and in shops during the late night shopping events and at peak shopping times in the run-up to Christmas.
The extra security provided a visible presence aimed at deterring antisocial behaviour and security guards were also available to assist retailers with a number of incidents relating to shoplifting.
The Chair of Bangor BID, Pamela Poynton, said: “Following a request from Shopwatch, Bangor Bid were happy to assist with extra security on the High Street this Christmas and it proved to be an amazing success with positive feedback from businesses and shops on the High Street.
“We would like to thank Dewi and his team at Venue Sec for providing the Security.”
Shop Watch
Bangor Bid recently presented 10 new ‘Shopwatch’ phones to local businesses, which will be used to help identify individuals who are suspected of shoplifting or known prolific shoplifters.
The phones will allow Bangor businesses to circulate information to each other in an attempt to reduce shoplifting.
The ‘Shopwatch’ scheme is a partnership between local businesses who aim to reduce theft from retail premises. Working closely with local authorities and North Wales Police, the scheme aims to reduce retail crime and antisocial behaviour and to help make shopping areas safer for customers and staff.
Shops that have received the new phones on Bangor High Street include Debenhams, Marks & Spencer, USC and New Look.
A spokesperson for the Bangor and Caernarfon Businesses Against Crime (BACBAC) Shopwatch group said: “Shopwatch is already a very successful scheme which bans prolific shoplifters from over 100 member stores in our locality. We are extremely grateful to the Bangor BID scheme for funding these extra mobile phones.
“They will be yet another very useful addition to our toolbox, further enhancing the way in which we can deter and reduce shoplifting and antisocial behaviour. Our sincere thanks go to all concerned.”
A spokesperson from Bangor BID said: “Bangor BID are very pleased to assist in providing these new phones to the Shopwatch scheme.
“It allows us to not only help our levy paying business on the High Street but also enhances the brilliant working relationship we have with North Wales Police and in particular PC214 Lisa Thomas.
“We also hope this will encourage more businesses to make use of this valuable scheme.”
If any businesses in Bangor would like further information about the Shopwatch scheme please contact PC 214 Thomas on 07896 170 409
