The City Protection Officers (CPOs) continued their dedicated efforts throughout February 2025, ensuring safety and security for businesses, residents, and visitors. Their commitment to public welfare and crime prevention was evident as they handled a wide range of incidents, from shoptheft and anti-social behaviour (ASB) to welfare checks and collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
Key Statistics
During February, the CPO team responded to:
• 786 Store Visits – Supporting businesses with security and crime prevention.
• 388 Welfare Checks – Assisting vulnerable individuals, including the homeless community.
• 241 Street Drinker Interventions – Addressing public drinking in PSPO areas.
• 188 Street Begging Incidents – Managing aggressive panhandling while providing support.
• 30 Street Rubbish Reports – Keeping public areas clean and safe.
• 104 Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Cases – Reducing disturbances and ensuring public order.
• 45 Shoplifting Cases – Recovering stolen goods and supporting retail security.
• 4 Yellow Cards Issued – Warning individuals about unacceptable behaviour.
The team successfully recovered £1,694.98 worth of stolen goods, demonstrating their role in crime deterrence and retail security.
Major Highlights and Key Incidents
Crime Prevention & Shoplifting Interventions
• The CPO team responded to multiple shoplifting incidents, recovering stolen items and identifying repeat offenders.
• Assisted stores with security measures, including monitoring CCTV footage to identify shoplifters.
• Worked alongside police to track down and arrest individuals violating Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs).
Homeless Outreach & Welfare Support
• Conducted regular welfare checks on rough sleepers, ensuring they received appropriate support from partner agencies.
• Street-linked new homeless individuals and provided information on shelters, food access, and healthcare services.
• Assisted an elderly woman who fell victim to a distraction theft at an ATM, escorting her to the police station to report the crime.
Anti-Social Behaviour & Public Order Management
• Dispersed multiple groups of individuals causing disturbances in public spaces.
• Addressed aggressive behaviour from street drinkers and confiscated alcohol when necessary.
• Intervened in several physical altercations, ensuring the safety of those involved and reporting incidents to law enforcement.
Emergency Support & Public Assistance
• Responded to medical emergencies, including assisting a man who sustained facial injuries after falling due to intoxication.
• Cleared hazardous waste, including discarded needles and drug paraphernalia, from public spaces.
• Helped shop staff manage aggressive and abusive customers, ensuring a safer shopping environment.
Collaborative Efforts & Community Engagement
The CPO team actively engaged with key stakeholders, including the police, BID, City Safe, and local businesses, participating in Safer Streets and Huddle meetings to discuss ongoing issues and crime prevention strategies. Training was also provided to store staff on radio communications and incident reporting using the DISC system.
Looking Ahead
The CPOs’ efforts in February 2025 highlight their critical role in maintaining public safety, deterring crime, and providing essential support to the city’s most vulnerable individuals. As they continue to work closely with law enforcement and community partners, their presence remains vital in ensuring a safer and more secure city for all.
Their continued dedication and hard work make a significant impact, helping to foster a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming city environment.
