A NEW crime-busting partnership has been formed to help businesses fight shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.

Avon & Somerset Police, Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens, Sedgemoor District Council and Somerset West and Taunton Council have joined forces to form The Safer Somerset Business Partnership, which aims to make Somerset a safer place to visit, shop and work through a range of initiatives.

One of the first schemes the partnership will launch is a new business crime reduction tool that will help reduce shoplifting and anti-social behaviour from businesses or in the shopping centres across Somerset.

The Database and Intranet for Safer Communities (DISC) scheme uses technology to help reduce business crime or anti-social behaviour by reporting or exchanging information in a quick and legal way with other members of the scheme.

It is a subscription service, offered by the Safer Somerset Business Partnership.

The software system can share visual intelligence and knowledge between members and can also alert other members to known offenders, sending real-time information to the police to help identify developing patterns of behaviour or crime.

The system can be used across a range of devices such as smartphones, tablets and computers.

The Safer Somerset Business Partnership has a DISC service co-ordinator to answer queries and visit businesses to demonstrate how to use the technology and equipment.

More businesses are being encouraged to join the Partnership to take advantage of DISC and other schemes including CCTV, Radio Link, Business Watch and Pub Watch.

For more details or to become a member email SaferSomersetBP@sedgemoor.gov.uk