Hobart retailers have been given a peak behind the curtains as to how Tasmania Police tackles retail crime and anti-social behaviour.
Tasmania Police and the City of Hobart held the Retail Safety and Retail Crime Forum in the Hobart Town Hall in front of a bumper crowd of about 100 – 70 more than hopped for.
The forum brought together community leaders, police, retailers and state and local politicians to discuss making our stores and shopping precincts safer.
Tasmania Police Inspector John Toohey said the forum highlighted the importance of working together to reduce crime.
“By collaborating, we can create better strategies to target retail crime and make our environment safer for everyone,” Inspector Toohey said.
“There are simple things retailers can do to prevent crime, from ensuring the store layout allows visibility to installing high-quality CCTV and other security measures.
“Properly training staff, engaging closely with customers and restricting access to key areas is also key.
“If a crime does occur, it’s important the matter is reported to police in a timely manner so our officers can respond effectively and hold offenders to account.
“We want our local businesses, and communities more broadly, to be able to thrive without worrying about crime.
“It's crucial that both the public and employees feel safe not only in public spaces but also in their workplaces."
Tassie Makers Market owner Nadia Tanese Calvert attended the forum and took a lot of knowledge from it.
“I'm really pleased to see that the Hobart City Council and Tas Police are working hard to support retailors,” Ms Tanese Calvert said.
“I think that's quite promising, that's probably a really big thing that I've taken from this.
“This is the first time I've participated in something like this, so I'd like to see more of this.”
Fellow Centrepoint shop owner Rebecca Kay of the Teddy Bear shop said anti-social behaviour does affect the CBD.
She said the forum gave her a greater understanding of what Police are doing to combat this issue.
“It's important to engage retailers because I think we know there are offenses that happen, but sometimes we just don't know what the outcomes are,” Ms Kay said.
“I think so it's good to know where and things are happening behind the scenes.”
Inspector Toohey said Tasmania Police are working on some new safety and security programs to support retailers that will be rolled out soon.
The Teddy Bear shop owner Rebecca Kay. Picture City of Hobart.