Businesses are being urged to sign up to a new service to fight against shoplifting and anti-social behaviour towards staff.

The Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and UK Partners Against Crime (UKPAC), are teaming up to help fight business crime in Dorset.

Following a £48,000 grant from the PCC to UKPAC last year, 200 businesses which sit outside of Business Improvement District (BID) areas in Dorset, are now being offered the opportunity to sign-up to the service, at no cost for 12 months, with no ongoing commitment.

Businesses in Weymouth, Dorchester, Bridport, Swanage and Sherborne in particular are being encouraged to come forward.

PCC David Sidwick, said: “I have spoken to various business owners across Dorset who have told me how serious and damaging incidents of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour can be, especially when staff are abused or attacked.

“UKPAC enables local businesses to link in with a shared intelligence network and have better lines of communication with Dorset Police. By working together, we can deal with offenders, reduce crime and work to make Dorset the safest county.”

The service offered by UKPAC means the process of reporting non-urgent crime to the police is completed on a business’s behalf – all they have to do is log the incident on UKPAC’s platform.

The organisation then compiles the data and crimes reported by each member to help gain effective prosecution against repeat and prolific offenders.

UKPAC work directly with the police to share their intelligence, providing it with the best opportunity to target offenders and police businesses communities effectively.

The shared intelligence network also works in conjunction with public services, expert contractors and by utilising available processes including civil-litigation and private criminal prosecutions.

Gareth Lewis, UKPAC chairman, said: “It’s no secret that business crime is an increasing problem across the country. This offer will enable businesses outside of BID support areas to join a unique online information-sharing system, which is helping to drive down low-level crime and anti-social behaviour and providing real results for our members.

“We need to work together to tackle these harmful crimes. This service offers hard-working business owners that opportunity, and thanks to this generous funding, 200 businesses will get it for free for a year.”

For more information and to sign-up go to info@uk-pac.com