Sevenoaks Neighbourhood Task Force Supports National Safer Business Action Week

Sevenoaks Neighbourhood Task Force Supports National Safer Business Action Week

Sevenoaks Neighbourhood Task Force and partner agencies have been taking part in the national Safer Business Action (SaBA) Week, helping to tackle retail and business crime across Sevenoaks District and support local businesses.

As part of the initiative, officers have carried out a range of proactive activity throughout the week, including plain clothes patrols in both Sevenoaks and Swanley, targeting prolific offenders involved in retail crime. These operations have resulted in several arrests for theft offences, which has disrupted those responsible for impacting businesses within the district.

Officers also hosted a retailer engagement stand in Sevenoaks town centre, providing crime prevention advice to retailers and promoting the #ShopKind campaign, which encourages positive behaviour towards shop workers and highlights that abuse and violence towards retail staff will not be tolerated.

In addition, Sevenoaks Neighbourhood Task Force will lead a Retail Crime Forum, bringing together local retailers, business representatives and partner agencies to discuss emerging issues, share best practice and develop strategies to improve support for businesses affected by crime. 

PC Nick Hubbard, Sevenoaks Neighbourhood Task Force, said:

"Retail crime has a significant impact on businesses, staff and the wider community, which is why tackling it remains a priority for Sevenoaks Neighbourhood Task Force. Through plain clothes and high visibility patrols, and engagement with our business community, we continue to identify offenders, bring them to justice and prevent further offending. We are fortunate in Sevenoaks to have a thriving Business Crime Reduction Partnership, which is a tremendous asset in helping retailers, police and partners work together, share information and quickly identify emerging issues. The Retail Crime Forum and the #ShopKind campaign demonstrate the collective commitment to making Sevenoaks a safe and welcoming place to work, shop and visit.”