BUSINESSES in Basingstoke are celebrating after winning a national safety award for tackling retail crime and anti-social behaviour.

The Basingstoke Business Against Crime Partnership has been awarded the coveted Safer Business Award, which confirms the town is a safer place for its businesses and shoppers.

Managed by Action Against Business Crime and supported by the Home Office, the accolade recognises the work of the partnership in the way it combats business and retail crime.

The initial idea for the partnership came from Basingstoke Town Centre Management, which recruited a dedicated business crime reduction manager, former police inspector Adrian Gatehouse.

The partnership has quickly become a force to be reckoned with and is determined to make a real impact on shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, which can seriously undermine businesses' viability, threaten the safety of staff and turn away customers.

Businesses taking part in the scheme use radios to stay in touch with control rooms that are in contact with the police, as well as an exclusion notice scheme, which identifies the most prolific and persistent troublemakers, who can then be excluded from the town.

David Leigh, regional business crime manager for Action Against Business Crime, said: "The partnership is sending a very clear message to those who steal from and threaten local businesses, because these individuals are being recognised and prevented from committing crime in the first place.

"This is about deterring and prevention."

The partnership is hoping to emulate the success of a scheme in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, where, during a 12-month period starting in spring 2004, shoplifting fell by 27 per cent. Some shops even reported that losses due to theft had reduced by a third.

Steven Connolly, centre director at Festival Place, said: "We're delighted to be part of this local crime initiative.

"Creating a safe shopping environment for our visitors and staff is of paramount importance for Festival Place."

His sentiments were echoed by Paul Littlehales, The Malls Shopping Centre manager, who added: "I'm pleased to say that our partnership has taken another important step forward in achieving this award.

"It demonstrates that not only is Basingstoke a first-class shopping destination, it but also offers a safe and friendly environment for its visitors."

Chief Inspector Jill Baldry, Basingstoke and Deane district commander, said: "There are a number of initiatives in place to reduce offences in the town's shopping precincts.

"We have officers dedicated to policing the town centre and the recent introduction of the ShopWatch Specials - employees from the town's shops who have volunteered to patrol retail areas - highlights our commitment to tackling retail crime."

Kaye Cousins, town centre manager, said: "As members, businesses enjoy full participation in the Basingstoke Against Crime Partnership and greater involvement in the town's new marketing initiatives, and that should all add up to a pleasant, more prosperous town for us all."

Anyone interested in becoming a member should call Kaye Cousins on 01256 461167.