Skipton businesses have joined forces with the police to tackle crime.
Throughout 2024, businesses have successfully been using a new crime-fighting app to tackle antisocial behaviour and retail crime.
The app, Scheme-link will allow businesses to share real-time information and alerts about theft and other crimes around the town centre.
The system is funded by Skipton BID.
The app allows GDPR compliant instant messaging between businesses and the police, which allows them to share messages and images of suspicious people to all members.
It is a key tool for sharing urgent information, so if there is an incident all businesses can be instantly made aware.
Nearly 100 businesses have been using the system on a daily basis.
To support the town further, CCTV cameras around the town centre have been installed.
Sgt Paul Evans from North Yorkshire Police said:
“North Yorkshire Police are committed to working with retailers and Skipton BID to help keep Skipton safe and reduce Crime and Disorder.
“We have a tremendous working relationship with both Shop Watch and Skipton BID, working closely over the years to make Skipton as hostile an environment as possible for those who wish to commit crime and disorder.
“Working in partnership, together we can be even more effective and send a clear message to criminals and trouble causers that they are not welcome in Skipton, and if you do decide to come to cause problems, there’s a strong possibility of them being arrested and put before the courts.
“The Scheme link is not just for the retailers, the local licensees are onboard and using the app to help keep the local pubs and clubs safer. All round it’s a great addition to helping us keep Skipton safe and crime free”.
In addition, Skipton BID has announced it has once again appointed ‘Street Marshals’ to help make the town centre a safer and more welcoming place to visit in the run-up to Christmas.
They were introduced in 2022.
They are SIA and First Aid trained professionals who assist with 999 calls, first aid incidents and supported anyone in need of help.
Sarah Howsen, Skipton BID Manager said:
“We want to assist in the prevention of crime and anti-social behaviour in the town centre and aim to stop it happening all together.
“Since we have introduced Schemelink nearly 100 businesses across town have signed up, showing the appetite to support each other.
She added:
“Schemelink has become the key tool in identifying people involved in crime and allowing retailers and licensees to warn each other about real-time issues.
“By all the businesses working together we can get the message out, do not come to Skipton for criminal activities, you will be caught!”
Lifesaving bleed kit to be installed in Skipton
Man suffers serious facial injuries following attack in Skipton
Skipton Hotel to host first ever Drag bottomless brunch
Police appeal for information following £600 theft in Skipton
Your Media Group launches brand new local voucher platform
Utility firms set to be charged for peak-time roadworks
Brand new local voucher platform set to launch next week
Taxpayers facing multi-million-pound bill to keep waste plant legal
Applications open for Skipton Sheep Day
Town Council seek support in restoring Skipton's War Memorial
North Yorkshire Police faced with losing 21 officers to balance budget
Woman suffer serious injuries following collision in Sutton-in-Craven
Sutton-in-Craven pub raises over £600 for Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit
Airedale NHS Foundation Trust encourage membership as plans for new hospital continue
New partnership for The Principle Trust to offer crucial support to local families in crisis
Winnie-the-Pooh book trail to launch in Skipton
Skipton boxing club hosts first boxing show
New flexible leisure memberships to be considered by councillors
Usage fee of up to 50p proposed for council-run public toilets
Vintage outdoor clothing shop to open in Skipton
