Safer city

Supporting a safer, cleaner city centre

We recognise the need for real security improvements to make our streets safer. Government budget cuts, reduced policing numbers, increased anti-social behaviour, and shifting policing priorities have left our city centre communities vulnerable to economic downturns that can quickly lead to urban decline.

Our commitment to safety

One of Sheffield BID’s top priorities is to ensure a safer trading environment for businesses, their employees, and visitors to the city centre. We are dedicated to working in partnership to achieve these objectives.

By understanding business needs, we can tailor our response to business crime, addressing local priorities and targeting areas of greatest concern. We connect key partners for the greater good of the city centre and its communities, offering operations and security support through a dedicated BID Operations Manager and a multi-disciplinary street team. This team identifies criminal activity and maintains direct contact with Police, PCSOs, and CCTV.

Collaborative efforts

Sheffield BID is a member of the established multi-agency Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP). The BCRP’s radio network has proven to be an effective tool for preventing crime and shoplifting. BID funding has ensured the network is now fully digital, benefiting our subscribing members.

Through the BCRP, we also contribute to the National Business Crime Solutions (NBCS) membership, enabling effective data sharing between agencies to reduce crime and risks.

Promoting best practices in place management

  • Best Bar None: We collaborate with businesses in the night-time economy to deliver Best Bar None, a government scheme promoting safe and responsible licensing practices in city centre venues.
  • Purple Flag: Sheffield BID, South Yorkshire Police, and Sheffield City Council work with local businesses to maintain the city centre’s Purple Flag status, recognising excellence in managing the evening and night-time economy.
  • Safe Square: We provide funding to this initiative which provides medical and welfare assistance to anyone on a night out in the city centre.

Supporting charities and addressing homelessness

Homelessness, rough sleeping, and begging are increasing issues in the city centre. The BID supports the Help Us Help campaign, raising awareness of support services and helping people make informed decisions about assisting vulnerable individuals with complex needs.

We have a long history of partnering with charities to create paid employment for former rough sleepers, improving their employability and quality of life, and providing a sustainable route out of homelessness.

Assisting businesses affected by vagrancy

In partnership with South Yorkshire Police, there is a discretionary rough sleeper patrol to check on individuals' welfare and limit the impact of vagrancy on retailers. Our Clean Team follows up with cleansing and sanitation services, addressing locations regularly affected by rough sleeper detritus and hazardous waste.

Building business resilience

Our training courses include conflict management and regular anti-terror and major-incident training through Project Argus and Project Griffin. These sessions help businesses understand the threat from terrorism and consider security measures. Conflict management and personal safety training, delivered by a former police chief, is specifically designed for frontline staff dealing with individuals with chaotic lifestyles and unpredictable behaviours.

Additional security measures

  • High-tech mobile cameras to monitor hot spots and deter anti-social behaviour.
  • SmartWater® – a traceable liquid issued to selected night-time premises, used as a deterrent for serious offenses.
  • Security advice from a Crime Prevention Officer to prevent criminal damage and design out crime.
  • Graffiti prevention measures and initiatives like Bag-a-tagger, launched in partnership with Crime Stoppers, to reduce graffiti vandalism and seek financial restitution from offenders.

Coordinated police operations

The BID team participates in operations such as Project Servator, which aims to disrupt criminal activities while providing a reassuring presence. Intelligence from local businesses often informs these operations.

Life saving equipment

  • Installation of 13 outdoor defibrillators through the Pulse Points initiative.
  • Collaboration with the Daniel Baird Foundation and night-time economy leaders to install 12 emergency bleed control cabinets across the city centre.
  • Graffiti removal by our Clean Team to reduce the visible signs of neglect, improve visitor perception of safety, and preserve the aesthetic appeal and market value of properties.

Looking to the future

As Sheffield BID considers a third term (2026), we are exploring the implementation of a proactive on-street frontline security service to reduce street nuisance and retail theft.