Northampton Town Centre BID initiative launched today for local businesses

Town centre businesses in Northampton will soon be given the name and contact details of an officer who will be their point of contact for Northamptonshire Police.

In a bid to enhance relationships with local businesses, members of the Northampton Neighbourhood Team will be providing their contact details to those shopkeepers who want to sign up to the scheme.

Inspector Andy Blaize came up with the initiative after a meeting with local businesses. He said: “I recently attended a meeting with local shop keepers and members of the Northampton BID who told me they wanted better lines of communication with us.

“As a result, we will be rolling out a new initiative where we will have a nominated police officer or PCSO who will be the main point of contact for those town centre shops that want to sign up to the scheme. These links are being put in place to allow shopkeepers to have someone they can speak to about any issues they have on their premises, as well ask any crime prevention advice.”

Northamptonshire Police has spent much of 2021 refocussing on neighbourhood policing, and this initiative is one element of the work that’s taking place in the town centre.

Beth Curlett is the new Inspector for Northampton town centre and will be taking the lead on this initiative. Insp Curlett said: “I have recently taken over responsibility for neighbourhood policing in Northampton town centre and I hope this scheme will show local shopkeepers that we want to work with them.

“We have a really dedicated team of officers who are keen to work with local businesses and I hope this commitment to local policing in the town centre will make a difference to not only our shops but also visitors to the town centre.

“Although this initiative provides shops with the contact details of their local officers, it doesn’t replace the need for businesses to call 999 if a crime is in progress or 101 if one has taken place.”