A Smarter Approach to Crime: Why Every BID Should Invest in Information Sharing
In the heart of our towns and city centres, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are playing an increasingly pivotal role in shaping not just economic vibrancy but also public safety. As police resources become ever more strained, BIDs are stepping up to fill the void—especially when it comes to tackling the low-level but persistent crimes that impact businesses daily. At the core of this smarter, more strategic response is information sharing, and platforms like Disc are revolutionising the way BIDs manage and prevent crime.
The Rising Tide of Retail Crime
Retail crime is on the rise. According to industry reports, the cost of retail crime has exceeded £1 billion annually in the UK, with shoplifting and anti-social behaviour (ASB) becoming more frequent and organised. While police forces focus their limited resources on high-priority and violent offences DTE & NTE crimes and ASB often go unaddressed, leaving businesses frustrated and vulnerable.
This is where BIDs can and must take a proactive stance. By investing in structured crime reduction strategies, they not only protect the businesses within their boundaries but also contribute to a more secure, inviting environment for shoppers, residents, and visitors alike.
What Is Disc and Why Does It Matter?
Disc is the UK’s leading online crime information-sharing platform designed to help communities tackle crime and ASB. Trusted by hundreds of BCRPs (Business Crime Reduction Partnerships), BIDs, and police forces across the country, Disc offers a smarter way to keep people and property safe.
Disc enables:
- Real-time reporting and alerts: Businesses can instantly report incidents and receive alerts about offenders.
- Secure intelligence sharing: Share images and details of known offenders with other members securely and within GDPR regulations.
- Effective exclusion schemes: Manage local banning orders with tools that support the “Banned from One, Banned from All” model.
- Integration with police: Ensure timely collaboration with local police units to support investigations and rapid responses.
Why BIDs Should Care About Information Sharing
Every BID is tasked with delivering value to its levy-paying members. With crime increasingly affecting bottom lines and perceptions of safety, investing in a system like Disc is not just beneficial—it’s essential.
Here’s why:
- Crime Prevention Through Proactive Intelligence
Disc transforms reactive responses into proactive prevention. By enabling businesses to share and access real-time intelligence on repeat offenders or ASB patterns, the entire BID area becomes more resilient to crime. - Strengthening Community Ties
Information sharing fosters collaboration. Businesses, security teams, and local authorities form stronger networks, empowering each stakeholder to play a role in crime prevention. - Reducing Repeat Offending
Disc supports banning schemes that deny known offenders access to multiple premises, disrupting the cycle of crime and helping reduce recidivism rates significantly. - Data-Driven Strategy
With detailed analytics, BIDs can better understand local crime trends and allocate resources strategically, ensuring smarter use of budgets.
Success Stories: When BIDs Take the Lead
Across the UK, BIDs that have adopted Disc have seen measurable improvements in safety and business confidence. In areas like Norwich, Staffordshire, and Manchester, business communities report fewer repeat offences, stronger relationships with police, and greater staff morale due to a perceived improvement in safety.
Disc doesn’t just support enforcement. It promotes a culture of vigilance and community responsibility that is essential for the long-term sustainability of any BID.
Tackling Common Concerns
It’s natural to have concerns around cost, data privacy, and training. Disc addresses these with robust safeguards and support:
- GDPR-compliant: Disc is built to comply with UK data protection laws, offering peace of mind for all users.
- Affordable: Compared to the cost of persistent crime, Disc offers excellent return on investment.
- Supported: Full training and ongoing support ensure all users can utilise the system effectively from day one.
The Future of Safer High Streets Starts with You
The call to action is clear: every BID should prioritise public safety by investing in crime information sharing. Platforms like Disc are not a luxury but a necessity in today’s urban landscape. They empower businesses to take control, enable communities to work together, and provide the intelligence needed to fill the gaps left by stretched policing resources.
By taking a smarter approach to crime, BIDs can protect what matters most: their people, their businesses, and the reputation of the places they serve.
Want to learn how Disc can support crime prevention in your area? Get in touch today.