New Crime Initiative in Town Centre!
The scheme, aptly named 'TownSafe' is being introduced into Uttoxeter's Town Centre and surrounding areas. 'TownSafe' will be separated into 'Storewatch', which will deal with day time businesses and 'Pubwatch', which will be for the evening economy businesses. 'TownSafe' is being partially funded by East Staffordshire Borough Council through the Community Safety Partnership, the remainder of the funding will come from membership fees generated from the businesses who are taking part.
Participating businesses will receive a radio which provides them with an immediate link to on-duty police officers and PCSO's, CCTV Operators and other radio link members. In addition to this, once an offender is arrested and charged with an offence in a member premises, they will then be issued with a civil exclusion notice which prohibits them from entering any member premises for a period of twelve months. The co-ordinator of the scheme - Mr James Higgs - will be based in Uttoxeter Town Hall and explained "TownSafe is sending a clear message to the minority who want to come to this town to commit crime or cause trouble, that we will no longer accept this behaviour. Once you are excluded from one of our member premises, you will be excluded from all for a minimum period of 12 months, The exclusion scheme is an effective tool in reducing the opportunity to commit crime".
The official launch will take place at Uttoxeter Town Hall between the hours of 10am and 11am on Tuesday 22nd July. Attending the launch will give you a chance to see the objectives and benefits of 'TownSafe' as well as offering you the chance to ask any questions you may have about the scheme.
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