Winchester Business Improvement District (BID) Ranger, Brett Jones has received the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Award for Business Crime Prevention at a celebratory event held on 31 March 2023 in Winchester.
The awards from the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and Isle of Wight, Donna Jones recognise the contribution volunteers, staff and partners from across the county make to policing and in making the local community safer and improving the lives of others.
This year’s event, hosted by Chris Packham, was the second awards ceremony the Commissioner has held in Hampshire and other guest presenters included the Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire Colonel Charles Ackroyd, Chief Constable Scott Chilton, Superintendent Patrick Holdaway, Special Superintendent Russell Morrison and the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Terry Norton. The Home Secretary Suella Braverman also paid tribute with a special video message.
Categories included Bobby on the Beat, Business Crime Prevention, Commissioned Service Volunteer, Cyber Ambassador, Independent Custody Visitor, The Michael Lane Award in Memory of James Bowman, Police Recruit, Police Special, Police Volunteer, Rural Crime Fighter, The Simon Hayes Award for Outstanding Effort in Reducing Offending and Reoffending, Supporting Victims of Crime, Tacking Antisocial Behaviour, The Police and Crime Commissioner’s Special Recognition Award, and Youth Volunteer.
Winchester BID Ranger, Brett Jones was nominated for his local work in Winchester city centre and won the Business Crime Prevention Award.
The Rangers scheme was introduced by Winchester BID in 2018 and it is part of the Winchester Business Crime Reduction Partnership, a National Standards Accredited umbrella organisation led by the BID, bringing together businesses, the Police and the Winchester Community Safety Partnership. The Rangers, provided by Venture Security, work closely with Hampshire Constabulary, Winchester City Council and other partner organisations to help reduce low level crime and antisocial behaviour and provide additional security in the city centre. The Rangers also play an important ambassadorial role in the city and help tourists and visitors with directions, information and assistance.
Superintendent Patrick Holdaway, Lead for the National Business Crime Centre said: “Brett is a Winchester BID Ranger and it is his job to provide extra security and support to businesses across the city as well as playing an ambassadorial role for visitors and members of the local community. He goes above and beyond in his role to help prevent business crime. His rapid response to incidents and his professionalism has meant he has helped to recover £55,000 worth of stolen goods over the last four years from offenders stealing from local businesses”.
Jane Bastock, Business Crime Reduction Manager at Winchester BID said: “This recognition is thoroughly deserved. We are delighted that Brett has been recognised for the fantastic service that he provides for businesses, partner organisations and people in the city centre”.
Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and Isle of Wight said: “Volunteers, partners and dedicated staff make a huge and significant difference to policing and I am so pleased that my awards recognise and pay tribute to all those who make an enormous contribution. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees on the night who dedicate themselves to keeping Hampshire and the Isle of Wight safer for residents, businesses and visitors. I applaud you all for your commitment and outstanding service”.
To find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner Awards, please visit: hampshire-pcc.gov.uk/commissioner/pcc-awards
Photograph: From left to right, Donna Jones, Brett Jones and Superintendent Patrick Holdaway.
