The initiative aims to reduce shoplifting, credit card fraud, drug abuse, aggressive begging, general disorderly behaviour and other community safety issues.

It involves:

• Managing the retail radio-link system that allows members to pass on information to each other quickly
• Links to the public space CCTV network that covers city centre streets
• An information-sharing scheme about known offenders for city centre businesses who become Safer City Centre members
• Training for retail staff which encourages members to adopt 'deter at entry' techniques
• Effective joint working with public and private sector partners

Through the Safer City Centre initiative, a range of organisations in Glasgow are working together to tackle shop theft, fraud, robbery, vandalism, fly-posting, grafitti and antisocial or violent behaviour.

This scheme was launched in November 2002 and was the first scheme of its kind in Scotland, although thre are nearly 400 such initiatives already up and running in England and Wales.

For further information, contact:

Willie Caie
Safer City Centre Programme Manager
Community Services
Development & Regeneration Services
9th Floor
Nye Bevan House 2
20 India Street
Glasgow G2 4PF

Tel: 0141 287 6994