Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) joins forces with Safer Business Action Week to combat business crime

“We are proud to announce our active participation in the upcoming Safer Business Action Week, scheduled for 16 – 22 October. This initiative, organised in collaboration with the Association of Convenience Stores, aims to raise awareness and address critical issues surrounding business crime.” said Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the PRA.   

Safer Business Action Week features activities encompassing prevention, intelligence sharing, targeted enforcement, and community engagement. Police forces and partners will work together to conduct targeted operations in town and city centres, execute high-profile media and social media campaigns, and engage with local businesses, retailers, and the community to raise awareness of business crime in the area.  

Gordon Balmer continued: “The PRA firmly believes that our involvement in this week is not only important but an essential step towards creating safer and more secure business environments.  

As the representative body for independent fuel retailers, our members face a troubling increase in forecourt drive-offs, where motorists refuel their vehicles without settling the bill and shoplifting. Our commitment to Safer Business Action Week reflects our dedication to the well-being and security of our members and the broader industry.  

We have been encouraged by the Labour Party's commitment to address issues affecting town centres and businesses. Their pledge to abolish the £200 rule for shop thefts and introduce Respect Orders to ban repeat offenders from town centres aligns with PRA's mission to create safer environments for businesses and the public. 

PRA remains committed to effectively combat forecourt crimes for the benefit of our members. We believe that Safer Business Action Week presents a golden opportunity to confront these challenges and forge partnerships with all stakeholders to create safer and more secure environments for businesses and the public.”