York’s Street Rangers have recovered more than £8,000 worth of stolen goods for businesses in one week.
The rangers, funded and deployed by the York BID (Business Improvement District), recovered a total of £8,345 of stolen items in the city centre between 3 and 9 April.
The BID said it was an ‘unfortunate side effect’ of visitor numbers returning to York that criminal gangs are using this busy period as an opportunity to steal goods from businesses.
According to the latest weekly footfall report by Springboard, York welcomed over 464,000 visitors during the Easter holidays.
Executive director of York BID Andrew Lowson said:
We understand from partner intelligence that there are a few gangs operating in York at present, so we would ask all businesses to make their staff aware of this and to be alert.
The BID Street Rangers are not just reactive and can visit businesses to provide support and highlight measures to reduce the risk of theft.
The Street Rangers are a familiar and friendly presence on York’s shopping streets, welcoming visitors, and providing a range of support to businesses and the public.
They are trained in First Aid, Dementia and Visual Impairment Awareness and River Safety. They are also the first point of contact for many businesses in tackling and preventing crime.
Supporting business
Stuart Williams, the BID’s engagement ranger, said: “The Street Rangers are proud to have helped businesses recover such a high value. This would not have been possible without the vigilance of staff within these businesses.
“The Street Rangers are always willing to help any business that needs our support.”
The Street Rangers are funded by York businesses to enhance safety and provide a friendly and reassuring presence in the city centre.
They have been operational for six years and played a key role in York securing Purple Flag status earlier this year. If you are a business in the city centre and need the support of the Street Rangers, you can contact them on 07809 900794.
To provide further support to businesses, York BID has announced plans to provide Customer Service training, with a specific focus on shoplifting.
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The training will cover how to identify potential offenders, the methods used by offenders, practical measures that businesses can put in place to deter crime, and the information required when a crime has taken place.
If your business is based in York city centre, contact [email protected] to register your interest.