More Bury shops to get protection from violent crime

Bury Council’s environmental health department in conjunction with Bury Police are continuing to provide staff safety devices to deter violent crime and anti-social behaviour against shop workers.

Small businesses along Walmersley Road, Bury who have been a victim of violence or threats towards staff are being offered advice and assistance. 

Sensor Technologies UK Limited based in Heywood, are providing a staff safety device called Starbox, which was created to minimise the risk when staff are faced with confrontational, abusive or violent customers in the work place. At the push of a button staff receive live back-up from the Starbox support team who can help assess the situation and contact the police if necessary. The system will link in with shops which already have the system installed so, should an incident occur, information can be passed quickly to other shops from the monitoring station.

Ross Reynolds from Bargain Booze on Walmersley Road said: “We were very happy to have Starbox installed in our premises. It provides staff with a constant guardian and makes them and our customers feel safer. Starbox can listen in to what is going on inside the shop and if necessary summon a police response.”

Gaynor Mason, Crime Reduction Specialist with Greater Manchester Police, said: “No one should go to work and have to endure aggression or be made to feel in fear for their safety. The police and Bury Council will give employers and staff as much help and support as necessary to improve security and safety standards.”

Natasha Franklin from the council’s environmental services said officers will give advice on how to comply with health and safety requirements such as training and adequate risk assessments. This advice is free to businesses that will help identify low cost improvements to premises and procedures and significantly reduce the risk of robberies.

For more information contact Gaynor Mason, Crime Reduction Specialist,

Bury Police Station: 0161 856 8046 or Gaynor.mason@gmp.police.uk

ENDS

Press release issued: 21 May 2013.

Picture attached: Bargain Booze staff member Anne Oyston with PCSOs Kim Ferraro and Martin Dawber.