Town Centres Remain Safe

A groundbreaking scheme to ensure our town centres remain safe, enjoyable destinations for all has been extended and made more accessible.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and M-R-S Communications have joined forces to improve and extend the Business Crime Partnership.

They are introducing a state-of-the-art digital radio system that allows town centre business staff to communicate in real time with each other, patrolling officers and CCTV operators, sharing information and alerts and dealing with suspicious incidents or individuals.

As well as the new radios, replacing the former analogue system, the Business Crime Partnership is also to be extended. Currently operating in Pontypridd and Talbot Green and Aberdare, it will now be offered to all town centres in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Importantly, interventions have meant the scheme can be offered at a discounted price for small and medium-sized enterprises, so they, too can get involved.

The Business Crime Partnership has already secured a national reputation of excellence for its work to drive down crime, assist town centre traders and protect the public.

It brings managers and staff from town centre shops, businesses, pubs, clubs and restaurants together with partner agencies including the Council and South Wales Police to deliver a wide range of crime prevention measures.

This includes:

• Banning of offenders from town centres because their behaviour has a negative impact on the atmosphere and environment for others.
• Crime prevention and reduction measures at shops to protect customers
  Purchase of items such as purse and handbag bells to protect shoppers from thieves.
• High profile awareness-raising campaigns to protect shoppers from issues such as theft, theft from cars, PIN number fraud and more.
• Regular meetings to share information, intelligence and alerts.
• Protection of the public in the licensed industry, including “out of one, out of all” bans for alcohol-related offenders, use of expert staff, introduction of plastic glasses and bottle stoppers.

The Partnership with Gwaelod-y-Garth based M-R-S means this work can continue and expand.

Cllr Paul Cannon, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities and Economic Development, said: “We are extremely proud of the Business Crime Partnership and know its success is only down to the enthusiasm and commitment shown by the members, who are determined to do their bit to keep our town centres safe for visitors and their customers.

“The fact that the Partnership is going from strength to strength is great news and we are pleased to be working with M-R-S Communications to offer the new, hi-tech radio system.

“I look forward to welcoming even more members to the Business Crime Partnership thanks to the extension of the scheme and the discounted membership costs we have been able to secure for small and medium-sized enterprises.”

Chris Marsden of M-R-S Communications added: “We are pleased to be awarded the new Contract and look forward to working alongside Rhondda Cynon Taf Council in the every day battle to reduce Crime.  M-R-S Communications has a wealth of experience in Town Centre Radio Links and operates throughout the United Kingdom.

For more information contact the Business Crime Reduction Partnership on 01443 495188, alternatively email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it