Exeter shopping centre helps to crack crime
Princesshay Shopping Centre in Exeter is the latest group to join a police scheme to tackle antisocial behaviour.
The centre security team is undertaking a training and accreditation process under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS).
The scheme allows Devon and Cornwall Police to accredit certain minor police powers to staff or organisations who are committed to working with communities and police in tackling crime and disorder.
The CSAS programme has been rolled out successfully in other shopping centres and businesses across the region, and enables trained staff to share information and communicate regularly with police.
Five members of the Princesshay Security Team will be CSAS accredited by October. This will enable them to carry out certain tasks including confiscating alcohol and cigarettes from young people, issuing fixed penalty notices for dog fouling, littering and graffiti, or acting in a way likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. Certain traffic powers are also available, such as directing traffic or requiring a vehicle to stop. They will not have the power to detain or arrest.
Mike Kerswell, Princesshay Security Manager, said: “We hope this training will further equip us as a team to keep the centre as safe as possible, working in partnership with the local police. We are often first on the scene of a wide variety of incidents and this current training will help us assist the police in a mutually beneficial way.”
Inspector Paul Morgan, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “We are delighted that Princesshay has joined this successful scheme. As well as providing important safety accreditation for local businesses, the scheme helps to forge strong and effective working relationships between police and the business community.”
Any organisation or employee in community safety or security roles engaged in combating crime, disorder and antisocial behaviour may seek accreditation.
Devon and Cornwall businesses may apply for CSAS accreditation by contacting Inspector Paul Morgan, CSAS Support Officer, Devon and Cornwall Police, Middlemoor, Exeter, EX2 7HQ.
