Newton Abbot businesses offered free 12-month membership of unique crime prevention scheme

Business operators in Newton Abbot are being offered the chance to join a proven crime prevention programme with the fees waived for 12 months.

The UK Partners Against Crime (UKPAC) online portal, also available as a smartphone app, enables traders to easily report crimes and share intelligence.

Police can instantly access the information, increasing the chance of successful prosecutions.  

The not-for-profit UKPAC co-operative, made up of businesses, police, crime prevention agencies and legal professionals, already operates in Torquay and in Teignmouth where prosecutions are now pending as a result.

Nationally, UKPAC has more than 1,300 members and this year has helped to secure prison sentences totalling 582 weeks.

The scheme usually costs £20 per month but the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner, Alison, Hernandez, has said her office will cover the first year’s cost.

More information will be presented at a meeting hosted by Newton Abbot Town Council on Thursday November 13.

Pierre Doutreligne, the authority’s Projects & Strategy Officer, said: ‘Crime and antisocial behaviour can be a real problem for business operators, despite our excellent CCTV system operated by Newton Abbot Security Trust.

‘The addition of UKPAC to the arsenal can only strengthen their position and help to make a real dent in the statistics.

‘Our 6pm - 8pm event on November 13 will allow businesses to hear from those who already know the difference UKPAC can make and I’d really urge Newton Abbot traders to attend.

‘There is nothing to lose and, potentially, much to be gained.’

The evening will be attended by representatives of Devon & Cornwall Police, the Chamber of Commerce and Newton Abbot Town Council.

Teignmouth businessman, Cllr Keith Underhill, said: ‘As Chair of the Teignmouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce and a Town Councillor, the ability for all the town’s businesses to join UKPAC is a welcome opportunity. 

‘For whatever the reason, the excuse of “it’s a waste of time” when it comes to reporting crimes can no longer be used.

‘UKPAC will now give businesses a direct crime reporting platform with the knowledge that all submitted crime reports will be sent directly to the police. 

‘I encourage all businesses, no matter the size and structure to take advantage of the 12-month free trial and join your colleagues as members of UKPAC.’

The November 13 presentation at Newton’s Place, Wolborough Street, is free to attend and booking is not required.