Newton Abbot traders offered new free tool to tackle business crime

Businesses in Newton Abbot are being offered a free 12-month membership of a national crime prevention programme aimed at helping traders share information and reduce shoplifting and antisocial behaviour.

The scheme, called UK Partners Against Crime (UKPAC), allows shop and business owners to report incidents and share intelligence through an online portal or mobile app. Police can access the reports directly, helping with investigations and prosecutions.

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UKPAC is a not-for-profit co-operative made up of businesses, police, crime prevention agencies and legal professionals.

It already operates in Torquay and Teignmouth, where several prosecutions are currently pending.

Nationally, the scheme has more than 1,300 members and has helped secure prison sentences totalling over 580 weeks this year.

The membership, which normally costs £20 a month, will be free for the first year thanks to funding from the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner, Alison Hernandez.

Details about the scheme will be shared at a public meeting hosted by Newton Abbot Town Council on Thursday, 13 November, from 6pm to 8pm at Newton’s Place, Wolborough Street.

The event is free and open to all local business owners, and Pierre Doutreligne, the Town Council’s Projects and Strategy Officer, said the programme will strengthen efforts to tackle business-related crime:

“Crime and antisocial behaviour can still be a problem for local businesses, despite our excellent CCTV system. Adding UKPAC to the tools available can only help improve the situation.”

The event will also include representatives from Devon and Cornwall Police, the Chamber of Commerce, and Newton Abbot Town Council.

Teignmouth businessman and councillor Keith Underhill, who has seen the scheme in action, encouraged traders to take part:
“This gives businesses a direct reporting platform with reassurance that information goes straight to the police. I’d urge all businesses, whatever their size, to take advantage of the free year and join.”

Booking is not required to attend the presentation.