Retailers against Crime in York (RACY)

RACY was formed in late summer 1997 when a small group of retailers, police officers and representatives of the Council met to discuss issues surrounding retail crime in York.

A Steering Group now manages the scheme, with representatives from retail, security, public and private sector, North Yorkshire and City of York Council. RACY employs a co-ordinator based in the centre of York.

Aims and Objectives

To gather, collate, process, exchange and manage all information relating to retail crime.

Specifically the schemes are:

1. The prevention and detection of crime
2. To reduce the opportunity to commit crime
3. The apprehension and prosecution of offenders
4. To create a "safe and secure" environment for customers and staff
5. To strengthen partnerships with the police, Safer York Partnership, local authority
6. Promote partnership work with established business crime partnerships across the country

Key Benefits

RACY's strength lies in the partnership of people determined to make a real difference. The benefit for members is comprehensive:

Proven success in crime reduction

Retailers receive Target Photographs of the most prolific offenders on a regular basis

Immediate access to support over a radio network (optional)

Newsletters and intelligence bulletins also sent on a regular basis

Periodic training courses held

Security meetings held on a regular basis so that intelligence can be shared between store detectives

Intelligence on travelling shop thieves shared with other shop watch partnerships around the country

Monthly retailer meetings held so that intelligence can be shared amongst our members. This includes an intelligence presentation highlighting local offenders and traveling criminals and gangs. The sharing of experiences and networking are very important.

Radio Network

Upon request and for a small additional cost, radios are available to allow member sot exchange intelligence and provide a facility to alert the police and other members of this scheme. There are more than 140 radio users in the city centre. Fixed mobile base stations are also installed at McArthur Glen Designer Outlet, Monks Cross and Clifton Moor linking those areas to the city centre.

The CCTV Room in Fulford Police Station liaises with radio users, enabling city centre offenders to be tracked by camera so that they can be apprehended more easily.

Membership Details

Membership is available to all stores in York and surrounding areas. Members must sign RACY Operating Protocols when joining the scheme.

Membership levels have grown from 8 stores in 1997 to over 235 in 2006.

Members include multiple and independent retailers in the city centre and surround areas. The Coppergate Shopping Centre, McArthur Glen Designer Outlet, Monks Cross and Clifton Moor Shopping Parks are amongst our members.

Please contact the RACY Co-ordinator for more details.