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Marshalls are a successful initiative for Bath City Centre
Bath & District BCRP has agreed to continue with the provision of marshals for Bath city centre, since the successful pilot in mid 2008. Originally established to deter crime from the new shopping centre, they proved a success and their regular presence helps to deter anti-social behaviour and provide reassurance and service to partnership members.
The SIA licensed city marshals carry the partnership logo on their uniforms and patrol the city centre, providing a visible deterrent in order to prevent crime and protect member businesses. They deter anti-social behaviour and shoplifting incidents thereby reducing public fear of crime. This has generated reassurance and visibility for partnership members and complimentary comments from members of the public.
Working alongside Bath police and community support officers and with the council’s CCTV control room, the marshals carry the partnership’s radios to communicate securely with business members and other partners. They assist members and their security guards to detain violent shoplifters and with incidents of anti-social behaviour where it is clear there is a threat to a member or the public.
City centre inspector Steve Mildren said, "The marshals are a great asset. We work closely with them, for example exchanging information on known offenders. They are also another set of eyes on the street and there have been several occasions where their early reports to police have led to the arrest of a suspect."
Sue Tilley, community safety manager for Bath & North East Somerset council said, “Bath & North East Somerset Council is delighted to be working closely with the BCRP. The city marshal initiative is to be applauded as a laudable scheme that works closely with police and B&NES CCTV to create a safer city centre environment for all. The marshals have a wide and varied role and the crime reduction partnership is to be congratulated for their financial commitment to the scheme.”
Photopraph shows, Penny Coatsworth, PAC co-ordinator, with city marshals.
Photograph copyright: The Bath Chronicle/Lloyd Ellington
30 July 2010