Bury BID launches new Business Crime Reporting app as 50 businesses join “Keeping Bury Safe” event
Bury Business Improvement District (BID) has stepped up its support for town‑centre businesses by officially launching the Business Crime Reporting (BCR) app at yesterday’s Keeping Bury Safe: Crime Prevention event, held at the Fusilier Museum.
More than 50 representatives of local businesses attended the afternoon workshop to see live demonstrations of the BCR system and hear practical advice on tackling crime and anti‑social behaviour.
A united panel of experts
Speakers included:
- Chief Superintendent Kirsty Oliver, Greater Manchester Police
- Inspector Kevin Wright, Greater Manchester Police
- Chris Woodhouse, Community Safety Partnership, Bury Council
- Ben Thomson, Assistant Director of Public Protection and Resilience, Bury Council
- Paddy Norton, Operations and Emergency Response Manager, Bury Council
- Angela Tierney, Centre Manager, Mill Gate Shopping Centre
- Peter Isdale, DISC (BCR system provider)
- Nigel Shields, Town Centre Director, Bury BID
The panel walked delegates through what to report, when to report, and how to follow up, emphasising that every incident should now be logged via the BCR app to create a real‑time intelligence picture for the police and partner agencies.
Responding to national and local concerns
Latest British Retail Consortium figures show retail crime losses topping £1.8 billion nationwide last year. Bury businesses have echoed these concerns, highlighting the need for clear, quick reporting routes and better feedback loops.
Nigel Shields, Town Centre Director, Bury BID, said:
“A safe and welcoming town centre is essential for our high street to thrive. The Business Crime Reporting app gives businesses a simple, direct way to log incidents and know their voice is heard. Combined with future initiatives – such as dedicated Town Centre Wardens – this marks a big step forward in making Bury an even safer place to work, shop and enjoy.”
Chief Superintendent Kirsty Oliver, GMP, added:
“Accurate, timely reporting helps us target resources where they are needed most. The BCR system is a great example of partnership working in action, and we’re delighted to support Bury BID in rolling it out.”
Councillor Charlotte Morris, Bury Council cabinet member for culture and the economy, welcomed the initiative, noting that “effective collaboration like this keeps Bury at the forefront of town‑centre safety and strengthens our award‑winning evening economy.”
What’s next?
- Businesses that could not attend can request Business Crime Reporting onboarding by emailing poppy.howarth@burybid.co.uk.
- Recruitment for Town Centre Wardens will begin later this summer, providing an on‑street presence to support reporting and deter crime.
- Bury BID will be providing Keeping Bury Safe training including Emergency First Aid at Work. Further details are to be confirmed.
