Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Policing and Community Safety Partnership hosts business breakfast
The event brought together representatives from major retailers, independent businesses and key organisations to discuss the growing challenges facing the retail industry and explore practical measures to help prevent crime, with a keynote presentation delivered by PSNI Superintendent Pete Cunningham outlining current retail crime trends and challenges.
Retailers, business owners and partner agencies from across the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon borough gathered at Craigavon Civic Centre recently for a business breakfast focused on tackling retail crime and improving safety within the sector.
Hosted by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), the event brought together representatives from major retailers, independent businesses and key organisations to discuss the growing challenges facing the retail industry and explore practical measures to help prevent crime.
Among those attending were representatives from Tesco, Currys, Gordons Chemist and The Henderson Group, as well as a number of independent retailers and local businesses operating throughout the borough.
The breakfast event provided an opportunity for participants to network, share experiences and hear directly from policing representatives and industry experts about emerging issues affecting the retail sector.
A keynote presentation was delivered by PSNI Superintendent Pete Cunningham, who outlined current retail crime trends and challenges. He highlighted a range of issues impacting businesses and emphasised the importance of close cooperation between retailers, police and community partners in reducing offending and supporting business owners and staff.
Delegates also heard from Constable Ross Thompson of the Banbridge Neighbourhood Policing Team, who provided an overview of the Safe Shop Scheme. The initiative encourages businesses to work collaboratively with police and other stakeholders to improve the sharing of information, strengthen communication channels and enhance overall safety within commercial areas.
The event also featured a presentation from Chris Wynne of Danske Bank, who spoke about fraud and scam prevention. His session focused on helping businesses recognise warning signs and protect themselves from increasingly sophisticated criminal tactics, including financial scams and fraud attempts targeting commercial organisations.
Attendees were also given the opportunity to take part in a bystander training session delivered by Michael Avila of Avila Media. The interactive session provided practical guidance on responding safely and effectively to difficult situations in the workplace. Participants learned techniques aimed at increasing confidence when dealing with challenging incidents while prioritising personal safety and the wellbeing of others.
Chair of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon PCSP, Councillor Jessica Johnston, said the event demonstrated the value of partnership working in addressing the issue of retail crime.
She said: "Retail crime is a challenge that no business should have to face alone. This event highlighted the value of partnership working and information sharing in helping to prevent crime, support staff and improve safety for businesses across our borough.
"It was encouraging to see such strong engagement from retailers and partner organisations committed to finding solutions together."
Retail crime continues to be a concern for businesses of all sizes, with retailers increasingly seeking support, guidance and effective partnerships to address issues ranging from shoplifting and anti-social behaviour to fraud and intimidation of staff.
Organisers said the event was designed to equip businesses with relevant information, practical tools and direct access to agencies that can offer support when incidents occur.
Feedback from those who attended was overwhelmingly positive. Participants described the event as "really interesting and informative" and praised both the quality of the speakers and the practical advice provided throughout the morning.
Many also reported a greater understanding of retail crime issues and increased confidence in reporting incidents and concerns to the police.
PCSP representatives said the strong attendance and engagement demonstrated a shared commitment among businesses, police and partner organisations to work together in creating safer retail environments across the borough.