Banbury area crime prevention group celebrates 20 years of service

The Cherwell Crime Partnership (CCP) tackles and helps prevent business-related crime so that the towns of Banbury and Bicester are safe and friendly places in which to work, shop and socialise.

Since its formation, the CCP has been sending the positive message that business crime will not be tolerated – and it has the power the ban offenders from retail and licensed areas.

The CCP, together with its Pubwatch arm, has a membership of more than 90 retail businesses and 44 licensed premises. It covers the day and night-time economies and operates as an early warning system that allows members to alert other businesses when problems arise.

It has strong working partnerships with Thames Valley Police, Banbury Town Council, Bicester Town Council and Cherwell District Council.

The CCP and Pubwatch began in 2001 as the Banbury Crime Partnership and was quickly recognised as being highly successful in reducing the negative impact of business crime and anti-social behaviour in the town.

In 2009 the scheme expanded to include Bicester under the broader title of the Cherwell Crime Partnership.

Banbury co-ordinator June Lynes said: “The CCP is as important now as it was when it was launched. It is always there making our towns safer.

“Business crime and anti-social behaviour can create negative atmospheres which are harmful to businesses and can discourage people from visiting or moving to the area.”

Businesses across Cherwell are invited to join the CCP, share data, and be made aware of undesirable persons who may be active in their town. Details are on the partnership’s website https://cherwellsafe.orgBusiness crime is classed as any crime that affects a business, its staff, or its customers during open or closed hours.