Western Bay business owners learn about retail crime prevention at a free expo organised by police and the Department of Labour (DOL) at Bureta Park Motor Inn on July 29 and 30.

The Western Bay of Plenty Retail Crime Prevention Expo is the first of its kind for the region. WBOP community policing project manager, constable Steve Campbell says the idea came after police and DOL held presentations for retailers in Auckland and Hamilton, following armed robberies.
'In the current economic environment shoplifting is on the increase,” says Steve.
'It's a huge issue for bigger retailers, costing them millions each year.”
Tauranga Central community constable Aaron Fraser has received calls from retailers asking for advice on what to do in cases of shoplifting or armed robbery. The expo is a way of providing information to a wide group of people easily.
'We don't want to increase retailers' fear of crime. We want to give them tools to decrease it. By doing simple things you can significantly decrease the opportunity for crime to occur and the tools people will take away have the potential to significantly help their bottom line,” says Steve.
Ideas such as changing the shop layout or installing closed circuit TV – and making customers aware CCTV is operating – are among measures he recommends to reduce theft.
Public and employee theft, and ways to reduce both, will be discussed.
Steve says ensuring staff safety is also an important issue and DOL staff will talk about workplace safety at the expo.
Reducing graffiti will be addressed and a representative from the Police North Communication Centre will talk about crime reporting, including emergency phone calls to 111. Tauranga Safe City will also be represented.
There will be displays from 13 organisations including the Insurance Council of New Zealand, ACC, Tauranga City Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Health and Safety East Coast, security companies, and Tauranga, Greerton and Mount Mainstreet.
The expo is open to the public. Attendees will receive a crime prevention pack to take away and can ask questions. The expo presentations take place 9-10.30am and 6-7.30pm on July 29 and 30 in the Redwood Room, Bureta Park Motor Inn.
To register, email [email protected] or turn up on the day.
Police will also make presentations at the Te Puke and Katikati Small Business Expos on July 23 and August 18.