The Business Forum’s Crime Manager Terry Davies outlined another very successful year with membership of the action group now at record levels of just under 300 companies. The target over the next two years is 500 members.

The BCRP has also just taken delivery of a new computer system that will allow instant, secure text messaging to radio holders and digital voice recording of all traffic on the radio network. This will allow the transfer of confidential information to individual radio holders or larger groups and the recording facility may be used in evidence in a court of law.

Peter Hatfield - and out-reach worker from Crime Reductions Initiatives - gave a short talk on his work persuading prolific offenders to seek help to change their lifestyles. Prolific offenders are identified via BCRP members reports and Peter then engages with them to offer rehab, housing and social care. The results of this collaboration have been dramatic with significant reductions in re-offending activity.

The greatest challenge for the BCRP this year is to fund the extension of the crime manager’s post from part-time to full-time and to find the funding to adopt a photo sharing scheme using digital memory sticks and small, hand-held monitors. The BCRP is currently in discussions with the Home Office and GOSE about grant funding for a pilot scheme.

For more details of the BCRP or to download an application form to join click on the Crime Reduction icon on the left hand side of this page