Independent newsagents have met with Luton’s top policeman to discuss concerns about rising crime and to agree steps to be taken to protect shopkeepers from violent attacks.
The “extremely encouraging and positive meeting” between representatives of the National Federation of Retail Newsagents (NFRN) and Chief Superintendent Mike Colbourne came in the wake of the brutal murder of NFRN member Jashbhai Patel in June 2009 and concerns about the safety of other independent retailers in Luton.
During the meeting, the two parties explored ways in which police resources could be prioritised to prevent retailers from having to work in a climate of fear.
Chief Superintendent Colbourne advised that great improvements had been made in police responses to calls for assistance over the past year, but agreed that further progress could be made.
There was consensus that the NFRN, Safer Neighbourhood Teams and police community support officers (PCSO’s) should work more closely together on crime prevention issues.
Attending the meeting on behalf of the NFRN were national vice-president Parminder Singh, who is also chairman of the federation’s public affairs committee and a leading member of the National Business Crime Forum; Hitchin branch president Pravin Shah and the NFRN’s public affairs manager Niki Haywood.
Parminder Singh commented: “Rising crime and the safety of our members is an issue of real concern to the NFRN.
“More has to be done to make progress on a problem that has literally driven many members out of business and for many, many more is a daily and very threatening menace.
“We were delighted to be able to sit down with Chief Superintendent Colbourne to discuss ways of making retailing safer. We look forward to working with Bedfordshire Police going forward.”
Chief Superintendent Colbourne said: “Bedfordshire Police is committed to working in partnership to reduce crime and the fear of crime.
“We have agreed to work with the NFRN to further deliver confidence and support for their members who deliver key local services in Luton.
“We have seen dramatic reductions in burglary, autocrime and robbery over the past year in Luton and it is important to ensure that our wider communities feel reassured by our commitment to continue to address crime and antisocial behaviour affecting local businesses.”
