Enforcement officers to patrol town
SOLIHULL Business Improvement District (BID) has appointed two high-profile Enforcement Officers to support its long-term strategy to provide a safe and welcoming Solihull town centre.
The new Enforcement Officers have been recruited to act as a robust measure to deter and disrupt criminal and anti-social behaviour, ensuring Solihull remains a safe and secure destination for all.
Starting their roles in August, Jason and Liz will be on patrol across the town centre between during retail opening hours.
Being accredited by the
Security Industry Authority (SIA), their duties involve supporting retailers to reduce thefts and identify offenders, responding to low level anti-social behaviour and street begging while assisting rough sleepers by signposting them to the relevant support agency.
The Enforcement Officers will work alongside the BID’s team of Town Hosts, who have become a familiar and welcoming service to help visitors and businesses across the town centre.
The two are being funded by Solihull BID, the Business Improvement District for hundreds of town centre retailers, restaurants, leisure destinations and office-based businesses.
Solihull BID chief Melanie Palmer said: “You will see leaflets in all of our businesses educating the public on what is already being done to help the increasing numbers of rough sleepers and beggars and how to join the campaign to help change lifestyles and enable to have a safe journey back into the workplace and society.
“We have two new operatives, who will be in place for four days per week, working with our Town Hosts and the Council to direct beggars and rough sleepers to a safe space to get the help they may need.
“If you want to come and talk to us and share your thoughts, then you can find the BID Gazebo on the High Street from 12pm to 3pm every Thursday.
“Delivering the message to the public about an alternative way to give will be contentious and our pathway moving forward will certainly not be easy.
“Our message is clear, however, we are here to help and drive the change into action needed to save lives, treating everyone with respect along the way.”