New approach to dealing with crime in Livingston

Apr 1 2010 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

A NEW scheme has been launched to help businesses in Livingston curb crime.

The Scottish Business Crime Centre have teamed up with companies in the town to launch a new partnership to help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

Livingston Designer Outlet, The Centre, ASDA, Morrisons and the local police have created a web-based information sharing database with additional businesses expected to join over the coming months.

The development of the database has taken over a year to implement and will help provide a coordinated response to tackling trouble makers in the town centre and surrounding areas.

The secure database holds images, descriptions and information about people of interest.

Each of the partners has access to the database as well as the ability to upload new information – making it harder for criminals in the area to commit crimes.

Alan Dobie, executive director of the Scottish Business Crime Centre said: “Due to the incumbent economic climate, businesses need to be more proactive and aware of what can affect their economic development and overall bottom line.

“Crime is one such factor that can affect this and we are delighted to see local businesses and the Police working together to share information, including photographs, of those who commit crime and anti social behaviour in Livingston town centre with a view to excluding persistent offenders and reassuring those who use this facility that their shopping experience will be a safe and positive one.”

Jim Bradley, facilities manager at Livingston Designer Outlet and convener of the group, added it was important to take a joint approach to dealing with crime.

He said: “Working together against crime in partnership with other retailers in the town centre has been a goal for many years.

“I am delighted to be part of this proactive approach with Lothian and Borders police and the Scottish Business Crime Centre to ensure that Livingston remains a safe environment for all visitors by the innovative use of information sharing.”