The popular Be Richmond Patrol Team, which provides a reassuring and welcoming presence in Richmond town centre, is extending its operational hours.
The team, which comprises two experienced operatives now patrols the town centre area at the following times:
- Thursdays 11am until 7pm
- Fridays 1pm until 12 midnight
- Saturdays 1pm until 12 midnight
Previously, patrol shifts started much later, at 3pm and finished earlier (at 11pm), on Fridays and Saturdays.
These changes are in response to business feedback. The town’s retailers wanted a greater deterrent for daytime shoplifting and hospitality businesses asked for extended coverage post-closing time to support people making their way home after a night out. There were also concerns voiced about hospitality staff getting safely to the station and bus stops at the end of their evening shifts.
Safety and security in the town centre was identified during 2021 pre-ballot meetings as the top priority for Be Richmond member businesses. Amongst the retail and hospitality businesses canvassed, 83% requested longer Patrol Team hours.
Be Richmond Manager, Ellen Amorina Storrar commented:
“In response to requests from member businesses, we have increased the hours of the Be Richmond Patrol Team. This means that the team is visible for a greater portion of the day and evening during the busy weekend period, not only to support retail and hospitality businesses, but also to deter low level crime and anti-social behaviour so that everyone can enjoy Richmond safely.”
About the Be Richmond Patrol Team
The Patrol Team offers a welcoming and reassuring presence within the Be Richmond footprint, helping to keep the business community safe through close liaison with the police, the local council and outreach workers.
Be Richmond partners with Parkguard to provide this important service. Parkguard is accredited under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) by the Metropolitan Police and is also a service provider to the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames (LBRUT).
