After a successful trial period, the Brentwood Connected Town Rangers have been renewed by the town’s Business Improvement District (BID). A team of Town Rangers have been working across the BID area in Brentwood, Shenfield and Ingatestone since July to ensure the borough’s town centres are well managed, safe and friendly. They’ve been engaging with local businesses, residents and visitors, as well as reporting anti-social behaviour, shoplifting and begging. The Town Rangers have had a hugely positive effect in the borough, with levels of crime and anti-social behaviour decreasing since their introduction to the area. After a successful procurement process, professional services contractor Stambridge Group has been appointed to provide Town Rangers to Brentwood Connected.
Working closely with Essex Police, Brentwood Borough Council, the Community Safety Partnership (CSP), Essex Youth Service, and utilising the Shop Safe radio scheme introduced by Brentwood Connected, the Town Rangers are Security Industry Authority (SIA) licensed, Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) accredited and first aid trained. They are recognisable in their green tactical vests with Brentwood Connected logos and funded by town centre businesses through the Brentwood Connected Business Improvement District (BID).
Since the Brentwood Connected Town Rangers arrived on a trial in July, they have retrieved nearly £4,000 worth of goods stolen from businesses by apprehending shoplifters and working with Essex Police to take action against the perpetrators. Essex Police report that crime is down 10.6% within the Brentwood Connected Town Rangers’ patrol area, and anti-social behaviour (ASB) has dropped 8% since they were introduced. Police Sergeant Jamie Shepherd said, “The Brentwood Connected Town Rangers have made a massive difference to the area. When we speak with business owners they all know who they are and how to contact them or the Police if they are in need. We have seen a decrease in crime and ASB within their patrol routes, which is a direct consequence of the Town Rangers. There has also been more proactive reporting to Police, increased communication between businesses and better evidence gathering thanks to their intelligence building.”
Feedback from businesses has been overwhelmingly positive since the Town Rangers, including Chelsie and Luke, arrived. Sarah Mathieson, Store Manager of Boots in Brentwood High Street said, “Myself and my team cannot express how pleased we are that the Brentwood Connected Town Rangers are here to stay. Since they arrived, we have seen a drastic change in behaviour on the High Street. As a team, we feel safer and more protected knowing that we have their support. On many occasions they have worked incredibly hard in really challenging situations to deal with shoplifters, returning thousands of pounds worth of stock to our shop alone. These thefts would have negatively impacted our business if the goods had not been retrieved. Along with supporting businesses like ours, they’re also having a positive impact on the younger generation, building relationships and helping to guide them. Chelsie, Luke and the Town Rangers team are passionate people who really care and want to make a difference. We thoroughly enjoy working alongside them and are proud to have them in our business community.”
Kaye Thurgood, Chair of the Brentwood Business Partnership (the advisory board of Brentwood Connected), and owner of Sincerely Yours in Shenfield, said, “Brentwood Connected is thrilled to be retaining the Town Rangers in our three town centres after a very successful trial. They have worked tirelessly since July to support our ‘Welcoming Places’ theme, ensuring our locations are well managed, safe and friendly. They’ve also embraced their roles as the eyes and ears of Brentwood Connected, being a key part of our events and becoming an integral part of the business community. We know that businesses and visitors have found their presence friendly and reassuring and we’re really pleased they are here to stay.”
The Brentwood Connected Business Improvement District (BID) is the first in the UK to incorporate three high streets in one BID. Almost 500 businesses across multiple sectors in Brentwood, Shenfield and Ingatestone will benefit from events and initiatives that aim to increase footfall, dwell time and perception of the areas over the BID’s five-year term. Recent Brentwood Connected events include Lighting Up Brentwood, Festive Shenfield and the Ingatestone Christmas Market, as well as the Brentwood Art Trail and seasonal events for Easter and Halloween across all three High Streets.
The Brentwood Connected priorities include:
Improving Places – to dress our streets and create an environment for people to stay longer;
Promoting Places – to attract new visitors and additional spend through marketing and events;
Welcoming Places – to ensure our locations are well-managed, safe and friendly;
Connecting Places – to create great places to live, work and invest.
