PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESSA GUIDE TO REPORTING CITY CENTRE ISSUES

Reporting Online A quick and easy way to report non-emergency incidents

Do not use the online form if you believe the incident/crime to be an emergency. All reports are secure and 100% confidential. Visit psni.police.uk/CrimeReportFormPage

Call 101In a non-emergency where you need assistance or advice

Non-emergency matters may include, vandalism, graffiti, abandoned cars and other examples of anti-social behaviour.

Call 999Emergency telephone number An emergency is where serious injury has been caused or a crime is in progress and the suspects are at or near the scene.

Emergency SMS999 text serviceThe PSNI local Emergency SMS system has been superseded by the national Emergency SMS system.

Visit emergencysms.org.uk for more information and to register.

PSNI CITY CENTRE BEATThe City Centre Beat Officers operate a rota system and should be contacted for any issues relating to on-street drinking, anti-social behaviour and drug related crime during business hours.

If they are unable to take your call please leave a message and they will get back to you or contact the PSNI on their non-emergency number 101.

Restricted Business Hours Tel: 07795 607 576

REPORTING CRIMEIt is important that all crime incidents are reported to the PSNI, this includes retail crime, drug-related activity, burglary, theft and criminal damage.

There is a perception that retail crime is on the decrease which is primarily due to retail crime not being reported to the PSNI. We would encourage you to report all incidents.

REPORTING HOMELESSNESS The Welcome Organisation provides care and support for people who are homeless. Their outreach team are mobile and have a van which can attend anywhere across the city centre and bring individuals to their centre. They should be your first port of call for any and all issues with rough sleepers in the immediate vicinity of your premises.

Operational HoursMonday – Sunday, 7.00am – 2.00am

Outreach Team ContactTel: 07894 931 047

CRIMESTOPPERSIf you have been the victim or witness to a crime or incident and wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

By reporting crime you are helping us keep your community safer.

NEEDLE REMOVAL SERVICE All drug-related litter should be reported to Belfast City Council’s Community Safety Unit. It is important to report all drug-related litter to help monitor the level of drug use in the city.

Only trained staff with the correct equipment should remove needles.

Rule SettingSignage displayed stating acceptable behaviour in the toilet areas

The signage should also display a contact telephone number(s) encouraging customers to report suspicious activity.

Toilet AreasRemoval of toilet seat lidsThis could remove the opportunity for the lids to be closed to provide a flat surface for drug paraphernalia to be placed on top.

Installation of additional CCTV cameras to cover disabled toilets

Where businesses have CCTV to monitor footfall outside disabled toilets there may be blind spots whereby security staff in the CCTV control room can’t observe movements and suspicious activity in these areas.

Reduce length of toilet cubicle doorsCubicle doors that are from ceiling to floor create an opportunity for potential drug incidents to occur in private without challenge. If staff can see under the cubicle doors this could provide an opportunity for

them to challenge those inside and prevent incidents occurring, or in the event of a collapse for any reason, will enable staff to call for immediate medical assistance.

Ensure all toilet tissue dispensers have a transparent front and curved top

This could ensure that any discarded needles placed inside a dispenser can clearly be seen and safely removed by trained staff. This may remove the possibility of customers touching or pricking their finger on any needles.

The curved top of the dispenser could remove the opportunity for drug paraphernalia to be placed on top. This also applies to sanitary bins.

Installation of a remote electronic access control and intercom at the parent toddler changing facility

Where there is CCTV coverage of this area and with the introduction of access control and intercom this could allow security staff monitoring the camera to observe, speak to and grant access to genuine customers who need to use this facility.

PROTECTING YOUR PREMISES FROM DRUG USE

Non-Emergencysharps@belfastcity.gov.uk

Office Hours 8.00am – 5.00pmTel: 02890 270 469

Out of Hours 5.00pm – 8.00am (incl. Public Holidays)Tel: 07850 499 622

Businesses can adopt some of these measures to discourage drugs use on their premises.

If you require more information visit BelfastCentre.com or email info@BelfastCentre.com

This is a joint publication between Belfast City Centre Management, PSNI, Belfast One BID and Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce

Police Service for Northern Ireland

Emergency Contact Number

999

Non-emergency Contact Number

101

Reporting Crime Online www.psni.police.uk/CrimeReportFormPage

Emergency SMS emergencysms.org.uk

City Centre Beat Mobile 07795 607 576

Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

Belfast City Centre Management

Telephone 02890 24 21 11

Belfast One BID Telephone 02895 21 69 60

Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce

Telephone 02895 21 69 63

Welcome Organisation Outreach Team 07894 931 047

Belfast City Council Needle Removal Service – 8.00am – 5.00pm

02890 27 04 69

Needle Removal Service – Out of Hours

07850 499 622

KEY CONTACTS