Winchester Business Crime Reduction Partnership
Winchester BID delivers the Winchester Business Crime Reduction Partnership (WBCRP), which is an accredited umbrella organisation, bringing together businesses, the Police and the Winchester Community Safety Partnership to share information, ensuring strong links are prevalent into regional and national networks to keep the city safe and prevent crime. The WBCRP Steering Committee is chaired by the BID and minutes from the last meeting are available here.
The secure intelligence website and app DISC was introduced to members in 2015 and is an online crime reduction partnership administration system used as a hub to share intelligence on banned individuals, crime trends and identification sought images. Members of Shopwatch and Pubwatch can submit their own intelligence logs and report suspicious incidents committed in their premises. The DISC app is available on iOS and Android devices.
Existing members can login to DISC here. Click here to view the Privacy Notice for Members and the Privacy Notice for Offenders.
Shopwatch and Pubwatch
The BID has facilitated the Shopwatch and Pubwatch schemes in Winchester for over 15 years, which includes organising regular meetings to discuss current crime trends, agreement on banning offenders and offering radios at a subsidised rate of £130+VAT for BID members, which connect retailers and licensed venues directly with CCTV Control, the Police, Winchester BID Rangers and Winchester City Council’s Community Safety and Neighbourhood Services Team. If you would like to join the Shopwatch or Pubwatch scheme, please contact: enquiries@winchesterbid.co.uk.
Counter Terrorism Advice
There are a number of free counter terrorism information resources provided by the Police which are available for your business and below are some useful links.
National Protective Security Authority – Security On Your Side campaign
Martyn’s Law – Martyn’s Law landing page on Protect UK website
UK Protect Bulletin – Protective Security Information for the Business Community (24 March 2022)
UK Protect Bulletin – Protective Security Information for the Business Community (1 March 2022)
UK Protect Bulletin – Protective Security Information for the Business Community (18 January 2022)
MPS Advice – MPS Advice to Private Sector and Local Events
ACT – Action Counters Terror Awareness E-Learning
Best Bar None Awards
Best Bar None is a national accreditation scheme supported by the Home Office and the drinks industry aimed at promoting safety, responsible management and operation of licensed venues. The BID coordinates the Winchester Best Bar None Awards which celebrate the evening economy and recognise businesses which fulfil strict criteria to become Best Bar None accredited venues. Best Bar None resources for participating businesses are available here.
Winchester BID Rangers
Working closely with the Police and other agencies, we introduced the Winchester BID Rangers scheme in 2018 to help reduce business crime and provide additional security in the city centre. The Rangers are security trained and accredited and patrol Winchester city centre streets as part of the BID’s commitment to providing a safer environment and to help reduce low level crime and antisocial behaviour. The Rangers also play an important ambassadorial role in the city and help tourists and visitors with directions, information and assistance. To contact the Rangers, please call 07547901823 or send an email to: winbid@venturesec.co.uk.
Street Pastors
We provide financial support to the Winchester Street Pastors who work closely with the WBCRP and provide reassurance, safety and support to all people working in or enjoying Winchester’s night time economy on Friday and Saturday nights. The Street Pastors are an independent charity which work with the local Police, Winchester BID and Winchester City Council to help make the city safer at night. All Street Pastor groups are part of a national scheme which was first established in 2003.
Spare Change for Lasting Change
The BID facilitates one of the longest established diverted giving schemes in the UK named Spare Change for Lasting Change, aimed at reducing street begging and helping those most in need by diverting funds from the streets to local charities. Collection boxes are located in businesses across the city and funds donated are passed to local charities. Winchester City Council also assist with facilitation of the scheme which supports Trinity Winchester and The Winchester Beacon. Each year at a Business Breakfast organised by the BID and Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, a cheque is presented to the two charities by Steve Brine MP.
Video: How to use your Winchester BID radio, a helpful guide.
