Safer Business Action Week brings crime prevention focus to Croydon town centre

Croydon is gearing up to participate in the National Business Crime Centre’s Safer Business Action Week (SaBA), a nationwide initiative running from 14th to 20th October 2024.
This annual event brings together the police, local authorities, and key partners across the UK to tackle business crime and boost public safety.

Throughout the week, Croydon Business Improvement District (BID) and partners will lead a series of coordinated operations and activities designed to promote crime prevention, raise awareness, and engage with local businesses and the public.

What to Expect During SaBA Week

SaBA Week is an important opportunity to address local safety concerns, with a particular focus on business crime.

Key stakeholders including Croydon BID, the Metropolitan Police, private security teams, and other local partners will collaborate to deliver impactful activities aimed at creating a safer environment in the town centre.

These activities are designed to enhance business engagement and increase public confidence through high-visibility patrols, crime prevention advice, and community interaction.

Some of the key activities taking place in Croydon town centre during SaBA Week include:

1. Business Engagement Patrols

Croydon BID will fund two dedicated business engagement patrols to support local businesses. These patrols will focus on both day-time engagement, and the night-time economy, including hospitality venues and betting shops.

2. Meet the Town Centre Inspector

On Wednesday 16th October, Croydon BID will host a casual coffee session with the Town Centre Inspector at Caffe Nero, 44 George Street from 10am – 11am. This is a drop-in opportunity for business owners and the public to engage directly with the inspector, raise concerns, and discuss local safety issues. No booking required.

3. Street Ranger Patrol Extensions

Croydon BID’s Street Rangers will extend their operating hours during SaBA Week, with additional patrols scheduled to cover high-traffic areas like George Street.

The additional 160 hours of patrols hours will focus on providing reassurance and visibility, particularly during the busy commuting periods and hospitality rush.

4. Graffiti Blitz

On Tuesday 15th October, Croydon BID’s Cleansing Service will conduct a graffiti removal operation, targeting hotspot areas around the town centre. This initiative aims to improve the public realm and enhance the perception of safety by addressing visible signs of vandalism.

5. Other Planned Activities

Additional safety-driven activities include weapons sweeps, high-visibility police patrols, and focused engagement around the issue of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

These actions, combined with the ongoing efforts of local security teams, aim to bolster public safety and create a more secure, welcoming environment for all.

Croydon BID encourages both local businesses and the public to take part in these initiatives and help make Croydon a safer place.

For more details on SaBA, visit the National Business Crime Centre website: https://nbcc.police.uk/business-support/saba-days