Celebrating two years of the Winchester BID Rangers scheme

This month marks the second anniversary of the launch of the Winchester BID Rangers scheme, which sees Venture’s security officers out on patrol in the city centre, helping to tackle antisocial behaviour and making the area a safer place for residents, workers and visitors alike.

The scheme was one of the first of its kind in the UK and is recognised as an example of good practice by other town and city centres across the country. To date, it has assisted local businesses and recovered over £31,000 worth of stolen goods from offenders in the BID area.

A great example of partnership working, the scheme forms part of the Winchester Business Crime Reduction Partnership - an accredited umbrella organisation led by Winchester BID, which brings together businesses, the police service and Winchester Community Safety Partnership.

Liaising closely with all these partners, the Rangers focus on reducing low level crime and antisocial behaviour. Their presence acting as a deterrent, as well as the Rangers being a welcoming sight for visitors and playing an important ambassadorial role.

During the first COVID-19 lockdown the Rangers played a crucial role in keeping watch on closed business premises and offering reassurance and assistance to businesses which were open, as well as for members of the public. They continue to provide this service during the current COVID-19 lockdown.

Jane Bastock, Business Crime Reduction Manager at Winchester BID, commented: “We are exceptionally proud of the Winchester BID Rangers scheme, which continues to be extremely well received by the local business community two years on. We regularly receive positive feedback about the scheme from businesses. The Rangers not only patrol the city centre but have become a critical presence for a variety of incidents attending a total of 3,573 in the last year alone, ranging from responding to anti-social behaviour, shoplifting from businesses, supporting the Police and Winchester City Council, and supporting members of the community.”

Sara Howe, General Manager at Venture Security said: “We are very pleased with the Winchester BID Rangers scheme and the impact it has had on the city for the benefit of the businesses, residents and visitors alike. It is through the Rangers’ excellent relationships with key stakeholders that has enabled the scheme’s success. We at Venture Security very much appreciate the faith that Winchester BID has placed in us and the support they have provided to enable us to further refine the service. We are very excited to see what the next year of the scheme will bring.”

Kelly Venus, Vice Chair of Winchester Shopwatch and Manager at Pavilion said: “The Rangers are a valuable and useful resource to businesses, attending and assisting with persistent shoplifters and anti-social behaviour in the city. Their presence assists in deterring criminal activity and provides reassurance to both businesses and members of the public.”

Venture’s award-winning town and city centre security team currently provides a similar service within multiple locations across the south. This includes Salisbury, Basingstoke, Andover and Fareham.

For more information, please call us on 01264 391 538.

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