A scheme set up by York Business Improvement District to deter antisocial behaviour and reduce crime on the city’s streets has been recognised in a series of national awards.
York BID’s Street Rangers secured the accolade of Best Safety, Security and Resilience Scheme at the annual Town and City Management Industry Awards, held in London.
The awards celebrate best practice in towns and cities across the country, and the Ranger scheme in York was highlighted as a fantastic example of how town managers can make a significant change using innovative approaches.
In York in 2018, the Street Rangers prevented 1,544 criminal incidents, deterred 1,484 cases of anti-social behaviour and recovered more than £24,000 of stolen goods, proving a particular deterrent to shoplifters targeting city centre businesses.
Visible presence
York BID executive director Andrew Lowson said:
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The Street Rangers have made a huge contribution to the city centre since the scheme was launched in September 2016, and the judges were clearly impressed by the way that the BID levy – which is funded by city centre businesses – has been used to such significant effect.
They are a visible presence on the streets of York, regularly talking to businesses about any concerns, and able to act quickly to issues like antisocial behaviour, working closely with North Yorkshire Police to make the city centre a safer, more welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.
All the Street Rangers are professionally trained staff with expertise working in similar capacities throughout the city centre.
They are also first aid trained, and last year provided support to people with minor injuries on 206 occasions.
They work seven days a week, from 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 11am to 5pm on Sundays, with a later finish of 10pm on Friday and Saturday evenings.
The work of the BID is funded by a 1% levy on business rates for businesses within the inner ring road.