A new crime prevention tool aimed at supporting businesses in Redditch town centre has been launched.
Designed as a user friendly mobile application, the Dynamic Incident System for Communities (DISC) system allows businesses who have signed up to a data sharing agreement to securely share images of known offenders, add witness statements, alert users of such issues as counterfeit notes in circulation, report incidents directly to Police, and effectively coordinate responses to security threats.
The initiative has been driven by Redditch Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with Kingfisher Redditch and Redditch Borough Council who have funded the launch of the scheme.
Commenting on the initiative, Muj Rahman Manager at Redditch BID, remarked:
‘The launch of DISC marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to safeguard businesses in Redditch town centre and we are offering this free to all of our members. By working in partnership with key stakeholders, we can improve safety and security in our town and empower businesses to actively deter criminal activity and ensure a secure environment.’
Adrian Field, General Manager at Kingfisher Redditch added
‘I have had first hand experience of DISC whilst working in other areas and it is a really effective system which the businesses can proactively get involved in and get so much out of in order to reduce stock loss and threats to staff which across the UK are a known issue at the moment. We are delighted that town centre businesses can benefit from this system and continue to further improve safety and security at no extra cost to them thank to the BID’s lead on its delivery.’
Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Cllr Monica Stringfellow, said:
“The council is proud to have funded this initiative and be working in partnership with the local Business Improvement District (BID). Together, we aim to create a safer and more prosperous environment for our traders and community. I encourage businesses to sign up, as it has the potential to significantly impact crime reduction and help minimise the losses from theft and other criminal activities.”
The launch of DISC in the Redditch town centre reaffirms Redditch BID’s commitment to supporting businesses. It is the latest in a suite of projects delivered by the business led organisation aimed at improving safety and security within the BID boundary with fully funded security radios provided to businesses which link through to CCTV and each other and a dedicated roaming store detective.
