Today, Network Rail, South Bank Business Improvement District (BID), Safer Business Network, and British Transport Police Waterloo announce Waterloo Station’s inclusion in the successful Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) scheme that operates in the South Bank area.
The Station’s inclusion in the BCRP will address business crime such as pickpocketing, shop theft and antisocial behaviour.
All 29 of the currently open retailers in Waterloo Station have signed up for the BCRP scheme, which will provide them with a radio network, intelligence sharing information, security news alerts and training and development support, ultimately creating a community to help tackle crime and anti-social behaviour across the station. The BCRP scheme will also connect Waterloo station to many of the larger businesses in the wider South Bank business community, who are already using the scheme successfully.
The standard cost of running the scheme is £10 per retailer per week, but South Bank BID will fund the scheme in its entirety for the first year and for 50% of the cost of the second year, meaning retailers will only pay £260 for the first two years of membership, providing much-needed financial support as they recover from the effects of the pandemic.
Commenting on the launch of the BCRP scheme, partners and retailers said the following:
Lucy McAuliffe, Director of Stations for Southern Region, Network Rail:
“I’m delighted that Waterloo is part of this important scheme, especially as we welcome more passengers back to our station. Keeping Waterloo safe and secure for all users is a priority, and I know this scheme will make a real difference to our businesses and passengers.
We’ve implemented a similar scheme at London Bridge station and know the difference enhanced, shared intelligence makes in reducing crime within our stations. So we welcome this important addition to the Business Crime Reduction Partnership’s work in London.”
Tom Vale, Retail Business Partner for Waterloo, Network Rail:
“It’s fantastic to be involved in a large stakeholder collaboration between South Bank BID, Safer Business Network, British Transport Police, our Waterloo station team and the station’s many retailers.
Engagement and training have been met with great enthusiasm by the station retailers, who share the vision that this will support crime prevention across the station and local community, promoting safety for passengers, customers and retail colleagues – while driving profit protection.”
Marie Lynch, Retail Loss Prevention Manager for Marks & Spencer:
“As the largest retailer in Waterloo Station, M&S welcomes this important new scheme. Having access to a sophisticated network of crime prevention intelligence like the Business Crime Reduction Partnership will make a real difference to our staff and our customers.”
Nic Durston, Chief Executive, South Bank BID:
“South Bank BID’s current business plan outlines the importance of safety and security, and the need for continued investment in crime prevention and crime reduction. South Bank BID’s support to the retailers in Waterloo Station through the BCRP scheme is an important part of our vision of South Bank as a world-class place for everyone. As we emerge from the pandemic and welcome increasing numbers of businesses, employees, and visitors back to South Bank, the BID’s investment will provide real benefits to everyone who uses Waterloo Station.”
Inspector Simon Trotter, Station Commander for Waterloo, British Transport Police:
“Businesses within stations are often our eyes and ears and their ability to effectively share information and report crime and anti-social behaviour is incredibly important. This scheme will be an enormous benefit and will help further ensure the safety and security of passengers and those working within Waterloo station. It will also tie the station to many of the larger businesses in the wider South Bank business community, who are already using this scheme.”
Rita King, Joint Chief Executive, Safer Business Network:
“Safer Business Network has a proven track record of delivering successful BCRPs across London and we are delighted to have this opportunity to work with such supportive partners in Waterloo Station. We have been extremely impressed with the enthusiasm and engagement of the businesses and will work closely with them to tackle business crime and ensure a safe environment for all those who travel through Waterloo Station and work or shop within the station community.”
