In 2019 the BID piloted a scheme to introduce some further Security to Sutton High Street for Businesses. This came at a time when our local MET Police went through change, business crime was becoming an issue and our radio scheme was an underutilised resource in our daytime economy. No sooner had we started but Covid-19 caused lockdown and our BID Support Officer was tasked with regular patrols, controlling queues for essential businesses and keeping everyone informed of issues arising during the period. We noted immediately that this project was going be a lifeline during the Covid-19 crisis and beyond.

The BID Support officer is a trained Security Industry professional provided by our contracted provider Blue Light Group. The officer is contracted to work Monday to Saturday 09.00-17.00 and is the first point of contact for our Town Centre radio users. This has made a vast difference to business engagement.

  • Businesses feel safer and more connected to one another to report issues, give updates and shared intelligence over the radio.
  • There is a first port of call for support for staff when needed on the radio.
  • Training and engagement by our SIA on security issues, general concerns and radio updates.
  • Door stopping of active shoplifters and ASB.
  • Emergency support when needed including medical, lost child, accident or incident.
  • Engagement and intellegence sharing directly with our local Neighbourhood policing team and PCSO’s including joint patrols.
  • Our BID Support officer actively encourages and supports businesses to report crime leaving them feeling supported and listened to.
  • Crime references are noted and followed up at our Problem Solving Meeting with MET Police and other engagements to ensure businesses get feedback/updates as needed.

Roughly £11k of stolen goods are recovered and returned to store (when not needed for evidence) every 6 months. Thats £22k a year as a conservative figure. We know we do much more.

Our BID Support officer is trained in First Aid, Security, ACT and other Counter Terrorism measures and is an #AskMe ambassador for Womens Safety.

The role of BID Support is not designed to take over from our Neighbourhood Policing Team or in-store security measures which should be in place and work in partnership with us. Contrary, the BID Support Officers main role is to work in partnership with all, understand issues facing business and assist the BID in delivering the right level of Business Crime support where needed.

You don’t need to be a radio user to work with us on Business Crime, but it does help. For £10.00 per week you have response, engagement and support for your business that is pro-active. You can sign up to our radio scheme or find out more information here: Successful Sutton Radio Scheme | Enjoy Sutton | Discover

If you have any questions about the BID Support Officer and the role this plays in supporting business in our district, you can contact your BID CEO directly Patricia.park@successfulsutton.co.uk