CRIMEFIGHTING retailers are the first group in the North-East to be presented with the Safer Business Award.

The Hartlepool Retail Crime Operation (Crime Net) is to be presented with the Action Against Business Crime's Safer Business Award (SBA) today for providing a safe and non-threatening environment for those who work in retail.

Crime Net was launched in February last year and its sucessful alliance with the Safer Hartlepool Partnership, local businesses and Cleveland Police has enabled the initiative to be awarded with the SBA.

The award ceremony, to be held at The Grand Hotel in Hartlepool, will include speeches from the Chief Constable of Cleveland Police, Sean Price, and Jon Dixon, of the Government Office for the North-East.

Mike Gibson, Crime Net manager, said: "By being presented with the Safer Business Award, Crime Net is sending out a clear message that business crime in all forms will not be tolerated."

Members of Crime Net benefit from shared intelligence to help protect staff, customers and property. Crime Net works with other towns and cities nationwide to share intelligence and information through the North-East Retail Crime Partnership.

Steve Booth, regional crime manager for Action Against Business Crime, the accrediting body for the SBA, said: "Hartlepool Crime Net has strived to address issues of business crime and anti-social behaviour with a professional and co-ordinated approach throughout its membership."

Anyone wanting more information or who would like to become a member, is asked to call Mr Gibson on (01429) 287209.

"Hartlepool is the first town to achieve the award in the North East and is an excellent demonstration of the partnership work that the police, the Safer Hartlepool Partnership, and the business community have undertaken to ensure that Hartlepool remains a safe and vibrant town for all who live, work, and visit."

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