Scheme launched to help prevent retail crime across the Harborough district
A new retail crime prevention app for businesses has been launched in the Harborough district.
The app, called DISC, is a secure, data compliant app that helps local crime reduction schemes to self manage low-level crime, retail theft and antisocial behaviour across their communities.
By using the DISC smartphone app and secure desktop scheme, members can collect information about ‘Persons of Interests’, and exchange useful current awareness information about safety and security issues of direct local concern.
Members can also use the built-in instant messaging system to share urgent and important information, receive alerts from their DISC administrator and access an automated e-newsletter to keep up to date with the latest additions and improvements.
A presentation and demonstration of DISC by Northamptonshire Business Crime Partnership was delivered to businesses across the district in August 2024.
DISC for the Harborough district will be known as Harborough District Business Watch and will be an independent association of businesses.
The scheme is being funded for two years by Harborough District Community Safety Partnership (HDCSP) through the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), allowing businesses to sign up free of charge.
Cllr Jim Knight, Cabinet Lead for Community Safety and Chair of the Community Safety Partnership, recently met with the Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner to mark the launch of the new retail crime prevention app, Harborough District Business Watch.
PCC Rupert Matthews said: “I’ve been a firm supporter of the DISC system for some time, having seen the results from other areas. It makes a real difference, so I was pleased to agree to fund its introduction in Harborough. The information it provides will enable shopkeepers to be aware of potential problems and give the police useful intelligence so that they can take appropriate action.
“I’ve been clear that I am fully committed to supporting our retailers against theft, anti-social behaviour and the abuse of shop-workers. So I urge all Harborough retail outlets to sign up – the more businesses using it the more effective it will be. I will watch the outcomes with interest.”
Cllr Jim Knight, Cabinet Lead for Community Safety and Chair of the Community Safety Partnership said: “We are really excited about this opportunity for Harborough businesses to work together with the police to help prevent and reduce retail theft and antisocial behaviour across the district. We know a lot of shop theft goes unreported and this system will help inform the police of the full extent of the problem as well as providing a quick and easy way for businesses to exchange information in a secure manner.”
Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “We are encouraging all retailers across the district to get involved with this fantastic initiative to help provide more protection to our local businesses. Initially, we are launching the scheme for our retail businesses to prevent low-level crime and antisocial behaviour, but should we receive sufficient interest from night time economy businesses, we will look to expand the scheme.”
If you are a Harborough district based business and would like more information, or would like to sign up for the scheme please email: [email protected]
This project has received £5,286.05 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
For more information, visit: www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
