The BSIA and its members are supporting the Fight Back event, a powerful, community-driven initiative uniting local retailers, police, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), and security providers to combat crime together. Building on the success of previous events in Reading and High Wycombe, the Fight Back event goes beyond product demonstrations — it strengthens local partnerships, encourages proactive crime prevention, and creates safer, more secure communities.
These events have brought together retailers, Thames Valley Police (TVP), and local BIDs to confront the rise in retail crime. With shoplifting, stock loss, and assaults on retail staff increasing nationwide, the Fight Back initiative gives communities the tools, knowledge, and support they need to take back control. Attendees explore security measures like fog generators, CCTV, noise deterrence, DNA sprays, and remote monitoring while hearing from local police on how they’re disrupting and pursuing offenders.
Communities are being urged to get involved to benefit from the opportunities these event can offer:
1. Stronger local connections: Forge vital partnerships with police, retailers, and BIDs. When communities unite, they present a stronger, more united front against crime.
2. Access to industry-leading security solutions: See, touch, and test the latest security products — from fog security to surveillance systems and noise deterrence. Learn how to enhance existing measures with simple, cost-effective upgrades.
3. Collaborative crime prevention: Work together as a community to reduce repeat offences, support vulnerable workers, and create safer, more welcoming environments for customers and staff.
4. Expert advice and training: Receive guidance from security professionals and crime prevention experts. Learn how to implement effective security strategies to protect stock, staff, and customers.
5. Proactive, not reactive: Fight crime before it happens. The Fight Back event helps communities shift from reaction to prevention, creating spaces that are hostile to criminals and safe for all.
The success of previous events demonstrates the impact of this approach. Reading and High Wycombe saw collaboration between retailers, Thames Valley Police, and BIDs, with strong support from local businesses.
Thames Valley Police Commander, Steve Raffield, explained, “This event is about all of us coming together in collaboration to create safer environments for retailers whilst ensuring that we, the police, have the best opportunity to disrupt and pursue those who choose to steal or use violence.”
BID-led initiatives like business wardens, CCTV investments, and DISC barring systems play a key role in deterring crime and supporting retailers. Alexa Volker, BID Manager, highlighted the positive impact of these efforts, which continue to reduce retail losses and support community safety.
Fight Back is all about empowering the local community. While there are many fantastic national security events in the UK, they often don’t reach the local communities that could truly benefit from new insights and valuable connections. This free 2-hour session offers participants a deeper understanding of local security challenges, identifies key contacts for addressing these issues, and provides numerous practical ways to fight back effectively.
The Fight Back event is more than just a showcase of security products — it’s a call to action. It’s about uniting communities, creating meaningful partnerships, and making it clear that crime will not be tolerated.
