Belfast's three Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)—Belfast One, Cathedral Quarter, and Linen Quarter—have officially launched a new Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP). This initiative establishes a structured, proactive response to crimes and antisocial behaviour targeting businesses across the city centre, aiming to protect frontline staff and bolster the city's economic vitality.

Delivered by the Safer Business Network (SBN), a specialist company with extensive experience in operating BCRPs across the UK, the partnership focuses on preventing retail theft and addressing repeat offending. A central feature of the scheme is the 'Alert by Shopsafe' platform. This 24/7 intelligence-sharing tool is available free of charge to city centre businesses, allowing them to report incidents instantly, receive alerts on emerging crime trends, and stay informed about potential disruptions, such as parades or protests.

The BCRP is designed to improve the quality of evidence provided to the PSNI, facilitating coordinated enforcement action and successful prosecutions. Success will be monitored through various metrics, including platform engagement, the identification of repeat offenders, and regular safety surveys. Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, said: "Belfast city centre is the beating heart of our city's economy and a place where people should feel safe to work, shop and spend time. Businesses and their staff should not have to face crime or antisocial behaviour as part of their daily working lives. This new Business Crime Reduction Partnership shows what can be achieved when the BIDS, businesses, and key city stakeholders come together with a shared determination to tackle these issues. By improving information sharing and taking a coordinated approach, we can send a clear message that crime against businesses will not be tolerated and that we are committed to protecting Belfast's city centre as a welcoming and safe place for everyone."

Martina Connolly, CEO of Belfast One BID, commented: "The creation of the Belfast Business Crime Reduction Partnership marks an important milestone for our city centre. Through collaboration and the rapid exchange of information, we are demonstrating a united commitment to tackling crime against businesses and reducing antisocial behaviour. A safer trading environment supports a more vibrant Belfast, and this initiative gives our members both representation and effective tools to influence real, positive change."

Hannah Wadey, Chief Executive of the Safer Business Network, added: "Retail theft and antisocial behaviour have a direct impact on staff wellbeing, visitor confidence and investment in the city centre. This partnership strengthens our ability to support the PSNI and their response to business crime. By improving reporting from businesses and enhancing the flow of intelligence to the PSNI and partner agencies, we can play a part in building a safer, more resilient environment for everyone who lives, works and visits Belfast."

Local businesses are now being encouraged to register for the platform and participate in upcoming engagement sessions to strengthen the collective response to city centre crime.