Release: Appeal for businesses to sign-up to UKPAC service after PCC funding

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner and UK Partners Against Crime (UKPAC), are appealing for businesses across Dorset to sign-up to a new service to help them fight business crime.

Following a significant funding grant from the Police and Crime Commissioner to UKPAC late last year, 200 businesses which sit outside of Business Improvement District (BID) areas in Dorset, are now being offered the opportunity to sign-up to the service at no cost to the business for 12 months, with no ongoing commitment.

 The importance of reporting crime cannot be understated. Without reports from the public and victims of crime, police cannot target resources to specific areas, which allows criminals to operate freely without fear of consequence.

This service offered by UKPAC means the process of reporting non-urgent crime to the police is completed on a business’s behalf – all they have to do is log the incident on UKPAC’s platform. The organisation then compiles the data and crimes reported by each member to help gain effective prosecution against repeat and prolific offenders.

UKPAC work directly with the police to share their intelligence, providing the Force with the best opportunity to target offenders and police businesses communities effectively. The shared intelligence network also works in conjunction with public services, expert contractors and by utilising available processes including civil-litigation and private criminal prosecutions.

Membership to UKPAC usually costs £20 a month but thanks to £48,000 of funding from the PCC in late 2023, the cost of membership for 200 businesses in Dorset will be covered for a year.

Businesses across Dorset which sit outside BID areas are invited to sign-up, and in particular, businesses in Bridport, Swanage, Sherborne, Weymouth, and Dorchester are encouraged to come forward.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, said: “As PCC I have spoken to various business owners across Dorset who have told me how serious and damaging incidents of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour can be, especially when staff are abused or attacked.

“UKPAC enables local businesses to link in with a shared intelligence network and have better lines of communication with Dorset Police. By working together, we can deal with offenders, reduce crime and work to make Dorset the safest county.”

Gareth Lewis, UKPAC chairman, said: “It’s no secret that business crime is an increasing problem across the country. This offer will enable businesses outside of BID support areas to join a unique online information-sharing system, which is helping to drive down low-level crime and anti-social behaviour and providing real results for our members.

“We need to work together to tackle these harmful crimes. This service offers hard-working business owners that opportunity, and thanks to this generous funding, 200 businesses will get it for free for a year.”

For more information and to sign-up go to info@uk-pac.com