Harrogate businesses have joined police and industry experts at an event aimed at tackling retail crime.
Harrogate BID’s Fight Back Against Retail Crime event, delivered with Smoke Screen, brought together town centre businesses to discuss practical ways to protect staff, customers and premises.
It follows the introduction of the ShopSafe app, which has attracted 65 active users across Harrogate town centre since 29th June.
The app helps businesses share information with North Yorkshire Police’s neighbourhood policing team and is already used by Harrogate BID to manage Pubwatch and Shopwatch.
A new reporting pilot involving ShopSafe and North Yorkshire Police was scheduled to launch on 1st October, giving businesses a simpler, more direct route to report crime through the app.
According to Harrogate BID, North Yorkshire Police will be the first force to introduce this reporting route with ShopSafe.
The BID has also announced plans to launch a Business Crime Reduction Partnership in April 2027 and work towards accreditation from the National Association of Business Crime Partnerships (NABCP).
Paul Evans, Business Crime Officer at Harrogate BID, said:
“It was encouraging to see Harrogate businesses come together with police and industry experts to share ideas and practical ways to tackle retail crime. Strong relationships and timely information sharing are vital to helping businesses protect their staff, customers and premises.
“With the success of the ShopSafe app so far, we are building a stronger network. The new reporting pilot and our plans for a Business Crime Reduction Partnership will build on that progress, making it easier for businesses to report crime and work together towards a safer Harrogate.”
Paul opened the event alongside Harrogate BID Chief Executive Jason Maxwell.
Speakers included North Yorkshire Police Chief Inspector Paul Crabtree and Retail Crime Sergeant Jess Hall-Christie, alongside Titus Halliwell from the National Business Crime Centre and Sophie Jordan from the NABCP.
Representatives from ShopSafe, Eboracum, Apex and Smoke Screen also contributed to the programme.
Town centre businesses were joined by representatives from Newcastle and Leeds BIDs, with a North East NABCP meeting held after the conference to share best practice.
Harrogate community café to host free coffee-tasting morning
North Yorkshire Police to star in new Channel 5 series
Labour mayor and Tory councillor unite over Labradors and pub trips
Councillors back consultation on pedestrianisation of historic Ripon street
Harrogate school joins family's fight against blood cancer
Mayor says 'dictator' comparison by North Yorkshire councillor was 'offensive'
Harrogate sports therapist opens new performance hub
Harlow Carr's Glow trail to celebrate 10 years with new displays
Harrogate's Cairn Hotel goes on the market for £6million
Knaresborough beauty salon celebrates 20th anniversary
Charity golf day raises £2,500 for Harrogate Meals on Wheels
Local Lotto celebrates eight years of supporting good Harrogate causes
North Yorkshire faces major challenge to prepare Local Plan in 30 months
New owner and name change for Knaresborough coffee shop
Sarah Barry joins Your Harrogate as new Managing Director
The Orchid in Harrogate celebrates award win with a 25-year first
Harrogate MP urges community groups to bid for new Government funding
Independent Harrogate sewing shop celebrates first anniversary
Harrogate care home to host charity dog show this weekend
Harrogate train station among UK's best, according to new research
