A NEW initiative to prevent raids on shops is being introduced in Suffolk.Suffolk Constabulary is working in partnership with the Raid-control Trust, the East of England Co-operative Society and the Suffolk Police Authority to introduce the scheme, which aims to raise security standards in retail premises.

A NEW initiative to prevent raids on shops is being introduced in Suffolk.

Suffolk Constabulary is working in partnership with the Raid-control Trust, the East of England Co-operative Society and the Suffolk Police Authority to introduce the scheme, which aims to raise security standards in retail premises.

Originally introduced by the Metropolitan Police, Raid-control has developed into a package of security measures designed to create a safer retail environment and reduce robbery in retail premises.

It also seeks to generate evidence to convict criminals if a raid does occur.

Measures to be introduced by stores under the scheme include having image capture systems and time delay safes.

Some of the costs of introducing these measures will be met by a grant from Suffolk Police Authority. The first 45 businesses that successfully meet Raid-control standard will be eligible for a £400 rebate.

Cllr Joanna Spicer representing Suffolk Police Authority said: “These businesses are in the heart of our communities and the effects reverberate through the business into those communities, not withstanding the financial costs of police investigating the crime and the direct costs to the businesses.

“The Authority hopes that by providing some funding to businesses, it will encourage them to adopt Raid-control providing a deterrent and reassurance to staff and customers alike.”

Raid-control is being launched at police headquarters in Martlesham Heath on Tuesday July 3 at 12noon.

The event is being opened by assistant chief constable Jacqui Cheer and will feature presentations from Alan Townsend from Raid Control Trust, Linda Reakes and Roy Bergernie from the East of England Co-operative Society and councillor Joanna Spicer.