Our Community Projects

In this section

Not only do we protect what matters most to businesses in our region, at Co-op Secure Response we are equally passionate about protecting what matters to the communities they are part of. We have made it our mission to make them safer, happier places to be by acting on anti-social behaviour through positive engagement and ongoing education. We are proud to be one of the UK’s first retailers to have appointed a dedicated Anti-Social Behaviour Team and since doing so have been able to build unique relationships with authorities and residents alike. We have already seen a 72% reduction in reports of anti-social behaviour in one area alone. Other positive developments include:

  • We are the only retailer to take part in Street Week, an initiative which sees local police, councils, support agencies and housing associations come together to listen to the safety concerns of local people.
  • Each year, we lend our support to USDAWs ‘Freedom From Fear’ campaign which endeavours to reduce anti-social behaviour towards colleagues in stores throughout East Anglia.
  • In partnership with Ipswich Magistrate’s Court, we have introduced a restorative justice programme for young people who have been involved in anti-social behaviour.

=

Chantry Football Project

In summer 2018, Co-op Secure Response decided to team up with Suffolk Constabulary on an initiative to bring students from Chantry Academy together for a series of six football matches at the school. Forty students were invited to participate, including twenty who already attended other community activities such as the Police Cadets. It provided young people from vastly different backgrounds with an invaluable opportunity to learn from one another over a friendly game. While helping to keep anti-social behaviour in the area to a minimum during the summer holidays, the events also allowed the police to strike up a lasting rapport with the students, who now actively seek them out on the streets to talk about any issues they might be experiencing.

  • Each football match was followed by an educational session explaining the consequences of participating in anti-social behaviour.
  • Since the series, none of the young people who attended have been involved in any reported incidents.

“I am really proud to be part of a proactive security business that is making a difference in communities across Suffolk. We have been working with Suffolk Police for over five years now, and our partnership shows that when businesses work with local authorities we can lower crime rates and create a brighter future for young people."

Scott Walker, Anti-Social Behaviour Manager, Co-op Secure Response

Restorative Justice Programme

As part of our drive to tackle anti-social behaviour at its source, the Co-op Secure Response team is working in partnership with Ipswich Magistrates’ Court and Social Services on a one-to-one restorative justice programme. By showing young people the financial and emotional costs of their crimes, often through CCTV footage, or visits to stores to meet those personally affected by them, it aims to inspire lasting change in the participant and set them on a more positive path. While spending the day with our dedicated Anti-Social Behaviour Manager, young people are offered the opportunity to see behind the scenes in our state-of-the-art Alarm Receiving and Monitoring Centre, as well as receiving practical support and guidance to help them achieve their goals, staying on the right side of the law.

  • Since completing the programme, Suffolk Constabulary has reported that only one young person who took part went on to reoffend.
  • The East of England Co-op has employed two of the young people who took part in the programme in its stores.

“Our restorative justice course has been held in high regard by the courts services and we have given numerous talks across Britain. It is very rewarding to work on a programme that provides value to the participants, as well as to local communities, which benefit from a reduction in anti-social behaviour."

Scott Walker, Anti-Social Behaviour Manager, Co-op Secure Response