About
The Plymouth Against Retail Crime (PARC) initiative was launched in September 2001, bringing together the police, City Centre Company, Plymouth City Council and Storenet Radio Link.
Our mission is to create a safe and secure retail environment for both businesses and customers in Plymouth.
We work tirelessly to prevent and address incidents of retail crime, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a positive and stress-free shopping experience. Together, we are dedicated to making Plymouth a better place for all.
Due to its success, PARC was made available to businesses in the whole of Plymouth in March 2003.
There are now currently over 400 members throughout Plymouth with the scheme continuing to grow daily. All types of business belong to PARC, including major retailers, independent stores large and small.
Over the past 20 years PARC has been nationally recognised, not only as an excellent crime reduction scheme, but also, as one of the largest schemes in the UK. It is regularly visited by other towns and cities using PARC as a template when setting up a new crime reduction schemes.
In March 2007, PARC became the UK’s first retail crime scheme to become a limited company.
Since the scheme commenced it has demonstrated that working in partnership we can reduce the effect of crime on our businesses..
By improving our knowledge and helping prevent theft we can add value to our business as well as improving profitability. We all have a role to play to ensure that our businesses are sustainable in the long term. By following good customer care and best practice we not only deter crime but improve the image of our business and our town centre.
PARC has become an excellent example of a working crime partnership using everyone’s talents to ensure that Plymouth has become a city in which it is safe to shop, work and visit.
PARC / BAC Members'
Access to our app (DISC) where all the current banning information is displayed and direct crime reporting to Devon and Cornwall Police.
PARC now employs PARC Ranger Officers to help deter shop lifters. Please contact us if you feel you could benefit from the service.
Storenet radio connecting businesses to the CCTV control room 24/7 and the PARC Rangers.
Over 200 prolific shoplifters and/or persons committing anti-social behaviour have been banned.
PARC manages 3 very large successful security radio schemes throughout Plymouth enabling members to share real time intelligence.
Over 400 businesses have received PARC’s professional radio training over past 4 years.
PARC’s members are linked to 24/7 CCTV coverage across Plymouth and the city centre.
PARC has its own database (DISC) that over past 8 years has proved extremely successful in supporting the police in obtaining CBO’s against prolific shoplifters and persons causing anti-social behaviour.
Numerous prolific shoplifters banned by PARC have received prison sentences taking them off the streets of Plymouth saving businesses tens of thousands of pounds.
All PARC members belong to a free Police Community Messaging Service allowing PARC to inform its members quickly and efficiently with information affecting businesses or staff.
Awards
Launched in September 2001
Current membership 400+ businesses
Nationally recognised as one of the best Business Crime Reduction Schemes in UK
Awards achieved:
October 2002 Safer Shopping Award
February 2006 Safer Business Award
January 2007 Association of Town Management Award
November 2008 DaCCWA Certificate of Excellence Award
May 2009 Chief Constable's Award for Good Citizenship relating to PARC Manager's involvement in leading the Plymouth CCTV team in the Exeter bombing incident in 2008
November 2010 DaCCWA Community Support Award
November 2010 DaCCWA Certificate of Excellence Award
December 2010 Action against Business Crime - Safer Business Distinction Award
Safer Business Award 2013/ 2015 / 2019/ 2021 / 2025
October 2002 SAFER SHOPPING AWARD
This prestigious award was received following a visit by an independent assessor from the Home Office. The Home Office delegate was very complimentary on how the scheme had been set up by the organisation skills of the partnership consisting of City Centre Manager. Police, Plymouth City Council, Storenet Radio, Chamber of Commerce and retailers.
February 2006 SAFER BUSINESS AWARD
Awarded for work done in preventing crime and anti-social behaviour.
Plymouth became the first city in the south west to achieve this award, following an independent inspection by the Government's National Security Inspectorate.
January 2007 ASSOCIATION OF TOWN CENTRE MANAGEMENT AWARD
PARC achieved this award for promoting community safety throughout the city centre.