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!”
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