The Victoria Safer Business Team is a dedicated team of police and community support officers (PCSOs) who patrol the Victoria BID, responding to the needs of the local workforce, business community and visitors. Our Business Crime Reduction Officer, Karl Rogers, is based at the BID specifically to broker relations within the business community and to develop and implement crime reduction initiatives at a more strategic level. He is focusing on what businesses need to put in place to address economic crime, counter terrorism, business continuity, physical security and crime prevention and personal safety.
Contact Karl Rogers, Business Crime Reduction Officer on 020 3004 0788 or email Karl Rogers
Employer Supported Policing (ESP)
The Metropolitan Police are offering a powerful opportunity to businesses across the SW1 area. Your organisation can be there for London through the Employer Supported Policing (ESP) programme. Support your employees by giving them a little paid leave each month and they’ll benefit from all the in-depth training that comes with being a special constable and they can be there for you during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The ESP scheme delivers business security, staff development, additional policing around premises, corporate social responsibility and, especially important for 2012, business continuity and resilience during 2 citywide international events impacting businesses in SW1. Best of all, the Metropolitan Police fund the scheme, in return for you donating some of your staff's time through a small amount of paid leave each month, they’ll benefit from all the in-depth training that comes with being a special constable.
• Any size of organisation or business can get involved, including small businesses,
• It’s easy to sign up, with no direct payment from you – just your staff’s time,
• World class training for any number of your employees,
• Help tackle crime in your organisation’s local area or industry,
• You'll have off-duty police officers working in your organisation - a visible, powerful boost to business security, continuity and resilience.
Take a look at the web link now and don't miss this opportunity for a huge boost to staff skill levels in your organisation or business in 2012 and well beyond.
Find out more about introducing ESP to your organisation. To get involved contact us online or call 020 7161 2651.
More about ESP
Victoria awarded Purple Flag status November 2011
Mike Noakes, Chairman of Victoria BID received the award at a national ceremony held in Bournemouth on 24 November 2011. Victoria was one of 9 ‘town centres’ recognised at the ceremony and given their Purple Flag status. Purple Flag is an award for town and city centres, backed by Government, police and business, and funded by Diageo GB. In order to receive the award, towns and cities are required to be welcoming to all visitors and provide a diverse mix of leisure and entertainment facilities, restaurants and bars which accommodate people of all ages. They must also offer safe ways for visitors to travel home after a night out. Purple Flag accredited towns and cities can expect to receive more visitors and benefit from reduced crime and anti-social behaviour levels.
This is a first for Victoria – it is the first time the Purple Flag has been awarded to a Business Improvement District.
"We are delighted to be awarded Purple Flag as recognition for the great work undertaken by the Police to make this part of London a safe, but fun and lively place for all who live work or visit" Mike Noakes, Chairman of Victoria BID.
The scheme aims to reduce the impact of alcohol-related crime and disorder. It encompasses not just pubs and clubs, but hotels, restaurants and take-away food outlets, keeping the number of outlets with access to alcohol informed and monitored. The BID has had a positive influence on changing the perception of street crime in the area and sees attaining Purple Flag status as formal recognition of the continued success of our Safe and Secure theme.
Download Media Release About Purple Flag
Facewatch scheme piloted in Victoria, to be taken up nationwide.
Victoria Business Improvement District is the first BID in the country to benefit from Facewatch – following its successful pilot in Victoria earlier this year the new crime reporting system is being installed at key retailers and leisure outlets in Victoria. Facewatch is currently being rolled out nationwide and is aimed specifically to help combat low level incidents such as shoplifting and bag theft.
“This cost-effective system will complement other crime reduction measures we are currently introducing. We are incredibly excited to be the first BID to benefit from this system, which ties in with being designated a Purple Flag” – Ruth Duston, Chief Executive of Victoria BID.
It is based on a network of businesses using one simple, online system to report incidents and share information and CCTV images between businesses. Working closely with British Transport Police and the Metropolitan Police forces, the scheme will work by gathering and creating a database of new and known offenders so that data can be shared between businesses within the SW1 area, reducing the opportunity for crime to take place. Facewatch cuts the amount of time that it takes to report an incident and assembles the required evidence, making it easier to process a conviction and saving valuable time. In short, Facewatch saves time and money by streamlining the process of dealing with low-level crime.
For more information about Facewatch contact the Karl Rogers Business Crime Reduction Officer at 020 3004 0788
Download Media Release about Facewatch
Metropolitan Police Security Advice for Businesses
The Operation Withern team is continuing their investigation to identify those people responsible for the violence, disorder and crime during the late summer to ensure that they are brought to justice.
Victoria is protected by police support units who will be supported by local Safer Neighbourhoods teams.
To receive regular updates in relation to Westminster please sign up to the Community Safe website on the link below. In the meantime, your business may wish to take the following precautionary measures issued by CSARN in association with the Met Police and fire specialists Resolve Network:
1. Where possible retail premises should be suitably staffed with security guards
2. Ensure staff report any suspicious activity to security and/or police
3. Consider regular checks of the building and surrounding area
4. Identify areas that are vulnerable to forced entry
5. Make sure all service doors are kept locked and secure when not in use
6. Ensure your CCTV system fully operational
7. In case of an emergency is there a record of the names of key holders who can be contacted
8. Consider removing high value goods from display windows overnight
9. Consider keeping as little cash as possible on the premises
10. Ensure that your premises are secure with shutters and if fitted your alarm systems are fully operational
11. In the event of a non emergency, call the police on non emergency number 101
12. In the event of an emergency, call the emergency number 999
13. Photograph and keep up to date images of buildings and stock for insurance purposes
14. Back up, copy and remove all crucial documents to safer, remote yet accessible sites for your business
15. Keep all phones and mobile communication and date devices charged up and ready to use
FIRE RISK
16. Fires are used as a tactic to provide a focal point for protesters seeking to attract extensive media attention. They are also used to destroy evidence of criminality and distract emergency services, drawing them into confrontational situations.
17. Your fire risk assessment and arson prevention arrangements should be reviewed accordingly. Simple good housekeeping measures such as the removal of any flammable and combustible materials stored adjacent to the premises, for example, stacks of pallets or waste materials, can reduce risk as these items can be easily ignited and any fires started in them can quickly spread to your building.
18. Reduce the storage of flammable materials and stock near to your windows and entrance.
19. Ensure that your first aid fire fighting equipment and extinguishers are maintained and available to deal with any small fires. However, staff should be properly trained to use any equipment provided and instructed to avoid unnecessary risk. If there is any doubt, evacuate all persons from the building immediately.
20. Particular attention should be given to your arrangements to secure the safety of staff and customers from fire. Fires started using accelerants such as petrol bombs can spread very quickly, cutting off escape routes. Accelerants can cause very rapid fire spread and increase the risk that the entire building will become involved in fire, especially where there is a delay in any fire service response due to the security situation.
21. Past experience suggests that in these situations some people consider remaining on their property to protect it from looting and damage. However, due to the risk of rapid fire spread, this can be extremely hazardous and has led to fatalities in previous events. Refuge in the upper floors of a building that has been targeted should be avoided as it is easy to become trapped.
For More About Community Safe
For the latest Met updates
British Transport Police Announcement
Protecting the railways from violent disorder
"The safety of rail staff and passengers is absolutely our first priority."
That’s the message from British Transport Police Assistant Chief Constable Steve Thomas following recent violent disorder around England.
As yet, the railway network has been relatively unaffected, but communities immediately around many stations have suffered considerably and there is understandable concern amongst some staff.
"That anxiety is understandable," says ACC Thomas. "The violent disorder we have experienced is unprecedented in recent times and has caused significant damage to property and livelihoods. Tragically, it has in some cases led to loss of life."
"BTP has put in place very robust operational plans to meet potential disorder. We are working closely with local police and keeping railway business management fully updated."
"Any hint of disorder affecting the rail system is being met with a very positive response – we are the dedicated police force for the railways and any attack on our patch is something we take very personally."
BTP is also working with local police using the extensive CCTV resources available on the rail system to bring rioters to justice.
"People affected by these crimes will be pleased to see that those responsible are already being held to account for this appalling behaviour."
Intelligence sharing with other police forces is allowing BTP to deploy officers where they are likely to be needed. During the recent disorder, rest days were cancelled and there were many more police officers on duty.
"On some days, we have had 1,500 officers on duty, plus CID," explained ACC Thomas. "That’s a big effort on everyone’s part and is helping us increase our visibility."
BTP’s operation is highly mobile and flexible to ensure a swift response to fast-moving events.
"We have some very experienced public order trained officers and where issues threaten the rail system, we will intervene promptly and positively."
"Whilst BTP is linked through local forces into the national and local intelligence picture, rail staff have a key role to play."
"Rail staff are out on stations and trains and seeing at first hand what is going on, so it is important they keep in touch with local BTP officers," says ACC Thomas.
The non-emergency number for rail staff to contact BTP is 0300 123 2211. In an emergency dial 999.
Report back: business continuity event held 29 June 2011
Victoria Business Improvement District, in partnership with Westminster City Council’s Emergency Planning Officer and Tim Armit, Chief Executive of Clifton Risk Management ltd, held a Table Top Exercise to test resilience and ability of organisations in the Victoria area by reviewing their emergency procedures and the impact on their ability to operate. Over 65 local businesses attended the business continuity networking event on 29 June. We had a very good turn out and lots of positive feedback, so we have decided to run them every quarter. The next will be in September or October.
If you would like to register for the next FREE event or have any questions, please contact Karl Rogers, Business Crime Reduction Officer on 020 3004 0788 or email Karl Rogers
Testimonials
I thought it was a really useful event. Specifically, getting to meet and discuss these topics with our nearest neighbours and appreciating what everybody else has in their plans.
– Serra Ince, Manager Risk & Business Continuity, John Lewis Plc.
I was impressed by the content and attendance of the meeting. The eye opener for me is the risk of many business’s turning up at the same assembly point
– Andy Gibbs, Operations Manager, Victoria Coach Station, TfL.
The event was extremely useful for putting our BC plans into context with local businesses, emergency services and Victoria, Westminster as a whole.
– Stephanie Thomas, Akzo Nobel Coatings (BLD) Ltd.
Introduction of Street Pastors
Street Pastors started to patrol the streets of Westminster for the first time in early June. As part of their training the 15 church-based volunteers were accompanied by members of the Ascension Trust charity and members of the Westminster Street Pastors Management Communities, as they patrolled around Victoria and Trafalgar Square to interact with members of the public and local communities. Mainly working late on Friday and Saturday nights, usually from 10pm to around 4am, their role will be to engage with those on the streets and provide help and support to those who need it.
Inspector Nick Cornish, leading the initiative for Westminster said:
It was a really encouraging experience and all those involved were so keen and very well received. It all looks really promising.
It is hoped that the numbers will increase to approximately 50 across the Borough. The Christian charity started eight years ago in the inner city of London and is now involved with 200 towns and cities across England, 30 of them being London Boroughs. The volunteers work through anti-social hours and will have completed their training in July where there will be a need for new committed, Christian volunteers. The organisation, who will be accompanied by the Bishop of London, the council and many other people of importance, will hold a launch on 9th September.
Inspector Nick Cornish added:
It is a wonderful addition to the community and a free, well intentioned, exciting resource to help stop anti-social crime violence. This is a worthwhile resource that is giving us additional help with our mission to make London a safer place.
15 volunteer Street Pastors will complete their 50 hours training in July and will start out once a month on the third Friday of each month from 10pm - 4am starting on the 15 July.
For more information about the Street Pastor scheme in Victoria please contact Karl Rogers Business Crime Reduction Officer 020 3004 0788 or email: Karl Rogers
Soup Runs in Westminster
Throughout March 2011, Westminster City Council conducted a consultation on the introduction of a byelaw to tackle rough sleeping and soup runs in the area around Cathedral Piazza in Victoria. The byelaw that was proposed split opinions of residents and interested parties.
For now Westminster City Council have agreed to participants in soup runs to abide by a voluntary self-regulation system. There is an agreement that no soup runs will occur on the street at all, as alternative ways of distributing food have been put in place. This will be reviewed after a couple of months to make sure that all parties are sticking to this. If they don’t, then Westminster will introduce the byelaw. We will keep you informed should this happen.
Westminster's policy towards dealing with homelessness and rough sleeping is outlined further using the link below.
For more about Westminster and Rough SleepingDiverted Giving: why not become a donation point?
Victoria BID is working with local partners to find long term solutions to homelessness whilst addressing some of the problems associated with aggressive begging. We have introduced a scheme to enable shoppers to make a donation to local charities using clearly marked and secure donation points. Funds raised are going to local charities with a track record of finding longer term and sustainable solutions to homelessness in Victoria and the wider Westminster area. The scheme has been running since 25 November 2010, please support it.
Main donation points:
• Eland House
• Victoria Coach Station
• Cardinal Place
• House of Fraser
New donation boxes are available now!
Donations can be made wherever you see the Diverted Giving sign. There are an additional 25 donation boxes that have been produced and Victoria-based businesses are invited to apply to have one in their reception area or canteen, or wherever you choose to place them to encourage visitors and staff to make contributions. If you would like to know more please contact Karl Rogers Business Crime Reduction Officer call 020 3004 0788 or email: Karl Rogers
Media Release about Diverted Giving
Radio Link: extra radios available
Radio Link is a scheme established by the BID's Safer Business Team. Local businesses share information using a radio link with the Police about activities in their immediate locality. There has been a good take up of the scheme and it has proved an effective means of keeping in touch about a range of security issues, as they arise.
There are now an additional 20 radios available, taking the total up to 138 across businesses in the Victoria area. If you feel your business might benefit from this service, please contact Karl Rogers Business Crime Reduction Officer call 020 3004 0788 or email: Karl Rogers
Joint operation at Victoria Station
On May 13 at Victoria Station between 3pm and 9pm, over forty uniformed and plain clothes officers, as well as neighbourhood and business teams from the British Transport Police and Metropolitan Police Services, took part in the first of a series of joint operations - the first of its kind in the country. Victoria BID has funded this new working arrangement as part of its commitment to a safe and more secure Victoria.
Various parts of the police service were present including: Constables and PCSO’s from the Victoria safer neighbourhoods and business teams; motorcycle officers; dog handling officers; TfL Revenue Officers; vehicle surveillance; British Transport Police constables and CSAS accredited personnel (Community Safety Accreditation Scheme); Police cyclists; UK Border Agency officers and mounted police. A total of 14 arrests were made between the BTP and the Met.
Safer Business Award
The Safer Business Award will run in conjunction with Purple Flag. The award addresses the need for crime awareness in the workplace and is a nationally assessed standard by which businesses in the retail and leisure sector can improve their crime awareness credentials. The scheme has been recognised by local government and the police and will be something that will be awarded to individual business in the BID area.
Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS)
The Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS), made possible through the Police Reform Act 2002, provides an opportunity for organisations that provide community safety and security functions to have their organisation and staff accredited by the MPS. Accreditation will enable employees to exercise limited but targeted powers to help them become more effective in their role and contribute to community safety and security, as well as combat crime and disorder, public nuisance and anti-social behaviour.
Information sharing between the police, partner organisations and accredited persons will help to coordinate visible patrols and direct resources effectively to improve quality of life within the community. The scheme also provides an opportunity to improve the quality, consistency and transparency of private and public sector community patrols. It should be noted at the outset that neither the Scheme nor Police are seeking to usurp the other's functions, but to complement the other's functions.
What are the benefits?
- Accreditation will help those providing community safety patrols to operate in their role more efficiently and effectively, and will raise their profile within the local community,
- Improved working relationships between the police and all those involved in the provision of community safety patrols will lead to the development of a coordinated and more effective service,
- Employers benefit from increased public confidence in their staff having received appropriate training, been vetted and deemed suitable for the post. The public will also be assured that the organisation itself has reached acceptable standards in management, supervision and accountability,
- By setting up accreditation schemes the police strengthen their links with organisations already contributing to community safety. Accreditation schemes help to ensure the standards of those working to assist them in their force area.
For more about CSAS click on the clip below or download the media release.
For CSAS Media Release
Victoria BID signs up to CSARN
Victoria BID has registered as a member of City Security and Resilience Networks CSARN, a not-for-profit enterprise and the UK’s leading business security and resilience membership network. CSARN bring together public and private sector leaders of organisations perceived as potentially vulnerable to malicious activity, thereby protecting staff and their own organisational integrity. CSARN’s embedded resilience networks lock together major cities in the UK, India and USA’s east coast. CSARN advise government and business residents across these locations to plan, share intelligence, communicate and practice resilient solutions together, delivering:
• Security and resilience workshops,
• Crisis and communications master classes,
• High-level, cost effective symposiums,
• Targeted ‘live’ networking environments.
The BID will be arranging for businesses in the SW1 area to take advantage of the kind of services provided by CSARN: Crisis Communication and Management, Terrorist Attacks, Cyber Attacks, Ecrime, severe weather power failures, major industrial accidents, staff trauma, emergency planning and leadership, risk management, data protection and handling the media.
For more information about how your business can benefit from joining CSARN, please contact Karl Rogers Business Crime Reduction Officer 020 3004 0788
Card fraud: tips for safer usage on and offline
Protect yourself from card fraud with these simple tips: We all enjoy going to bars and restaurants with friends and family but don't forget to protect your bank cards while you are out. Never leave your bag or wallet unattended - you never know who could be watching. Criminals also target people using ATM's and other card operated machines so remember:
- When using your card always shield your PIN and be aware of people around you,
- Do not be distracted by criminals who may try to steal your card or cash,
- Never re-enter your PIN to retrieve a card unexpectedly retained by the ATM. Instead either alert a member of staff if available or contact your card issuer immediately,
- Be vigilant when you go to the cash machine, particularly at night. Avoid using a cash machine if suspicious-looking individuals are nearby,
- If anything looks suspicious or unusual when you are at the cash machine then do not use it. Either alert a member of staff if available or move a reasonable distance from the machine and telephone the Police,
- Do not let cards out of your sight even. Keep bags and wallets in your possession,
- Save the lost/stolen numbers of all your card issuers in your mobile, so you are able to contact them in case of an emergency,
- Always check your statements regularly and thoroughly, inform your bank if your do not recognise any entries.
Criminals use a variety of methods including raiding dustbins for discarded payment slips and bank statements in order to obtain important pieces information they can use for fraud. Data such as your name, address, card numbers, dates of birth and mothers maiden name can all be used to build up a fake identity. Take the following steps to protect yourself:
- shred all receipts and any letters that contain your name, address or other personal information,
- when creating a password on the internet don’t use information that is easily associated with you and do not use the same password repeatedly,
- ensure you have up to date anti-virus software on your computer when banking and using cards on the internet,
- do not divulge personal information or bank account/card details to telephone callers. If in doubt call them back on a publicly listed number,
- do not respond to emails asking for confirmation of card or PIN details even if they are from your bank - ask yourself 'shouldn't they have that information already?' If you are concerned telephone the sender.
The introduction of ‘Chip & Pin’, has made it even more important to keep your PIN safe and secure. If someone else has your PIN they can have access to your cash.
- destroy your PIN advice as soon as possible,
- choose a PIN number that can’t easily be associated with you, like your telephone number and isn’t a sequence such as 1234 or 1111. Ideally choose a random combination,
- memorise your PIN and other security information, never write them down or disclose them to anyone, even if they say they’re from your bank or the police and never divulge it in response to an email or website.