The measure aims to bridge the gap between local police and city center businesses to combat crime, including violence, anti-social behavior and other ‘street problems’.
Bradford Business Improvement District (BID), which represents almost 600 member businesses in the city centre, says it has launched the ‘BID Patrol Team’ to keep the city welcoming and safe for everyone.
Concerns about the perception of the city centre have been raised numerous times in the Telegraph & Argus in recent months, with one visitor recently expressing concern about the number of ‘dry zombies’ he encountered.
The patrol team has been appointed following a rigorous tender process and, together with partner organisations, will play a key role in tackling various behaviors impacting the city center and its affiliated businesses.
Bradford BID, a not-for-profit organisation, is launching the project as a new part of a series of initiatives aimed at providing a safe, positive environment in the city centre, as set out in the BID’s second term Business Plan.
The introduction of the patrol team follows the launch of a 24/7 “Command and Intelligence Center” (CIC) support helpline for BID member companies.
The patrol team will routinely liaise directly with businesses and assist them with any concerns or queries.
They will patrol the BID area and report concerns that may negatively impact the businesses and their customers.
They will also work closely with partners who are tasked with helping people who appear to be asleep or in need of further assistance from substance abuse-related services.
They will report on environmental observations and collect relevant information to assist partners with enforcement actions, such as littering, fly-posting and noise pollution.
The BID patrol team is managed by Argenbright Security Europe Ltd’s Command and Intelligence Centre. and will go to companies as quickly as possible after a call for help and complete these calls.
Jonny Noble, the Chief Executive of Bradford BID, said: “When we consulted with our member companies while drawing up the new business plan for a proposed second term, safety, security and cleanliness were extremely high on everyone’s agenda.
“By offering this service to our businesses, we feel we have the right resources to address some of the issues our businesses face.
“Collaboration with the City Center Neighborhood Policing Team, local government and the range of outreach services is absolutely essential to the success of this initiative.
“The BID Patrol Team is just one piece of the puzzle and we look forward to working with our city centre stakeholders as the Patrol Team develops.”
The new Patrol Team is a first for the BID and works in partnership with leading industry experts, Argenbright Security Europe Limited (ASEL).
Peter Fisher, Director of Risk & Intelligence at ASEL, said: “We are delighted to have been selected by Bradford Business Improvement District to represent them and their ratepayers as their boots on the ground patrol team.
“We look forward to working with all of Bradford BID’s stakeholders and making a real and significant difference to retailers and visitors in the city centre.
“We believe our new ‘integrated’ and collaborative approach to city centre safety and security is industry leading and truly bridges the gap between local police, city centre businesses and other stakeholders across the City of Bradford by combining highly skilled and trained resources with the right technology and data to ensure Bradford BID has the right people in the right place at the right time to tackle crime, including violence and anti-social behaviour.”
Jonny added: “By adding this visible amenity to the city centre, we are confident that our member businesses will feel they have better engagement and answers to the issues they face, and we are very excited to deploy the team.
“One of the most important factors we believe this project will impact is intelligence gathering.
“Working with the Command and Intelligence Center, we can ensure that the right kind of high-quality information is passed on to the relevant authorities so that action can be taken.”
If a company is not a member of the BID, but is located within the area, there is the possibility to register as a voluntary member. To do this, contact the BID office.