Two extra officers for Angel Police Team - at no extra cost

Our brilliant news for all Angel BID businesses is that from September there will be two extra police joining our unique Angel Police Team at no extra cost to you.

As it is, the Angel team are the only police team in London focusing on a retail area and dedicated to making the streets safer for businesses and their customers.

Now they will be able to work more flexibly and cover the day and night time economies for even more hours each day.

Because of the close working relationship Angel BID has forged with Islington Police, they have agreed to fund the two extra officers - boosting the team to eight officers and a sergeant.

“We are delighted to be able to share the great news about these extra officers who will be dedicated to making the Angel even safer for businesses,” says Angel BID Director Christine Lovett.

“In renegotiating last year’s contract with the police, they generously agreed to give us the two extra officers at no extra cost. This means the Angel gets safer and we can redirect the money to improving your trading environment in other ways.

“Everyone who lives, works or visits the Angel is feeling the benefit of the high visibility work of the Angel team in making the area safer. Shoppers are reassured and businesses know they are at the end of a phone hotline to respond quickly if there’s a problem.”

Crime has been cut consistently since the Angel team were set up almost two years ago by Angel BID, with figures for April and May this year continuing the trend with 25% and 17.5 % fewer offences compared to spring 2007.

"Two extra officers increases the size of the team significantly and means that we can provide better coverage for the retailers as well as the pubs and clubs at night," says Islington Police Community and Partnership Chief Inspector Jane Johnson

“We have already seen the huge and unique benefits a dedicated police team has brought to the Angel in the last two years. Crime is falling and the area feels much safer.

“The team are ready and able to respond to issues unique to the town centre - their local knowledge and familiarity has brought great benefits in that they are ready and able to respond knowledgeably, and means we can continually improve the service they are giving.”

And at the end of last year the team was given a special commendation by Islington’s Borough Commander for their dedication, pro-active work and the high number of arrests resulting in prosecutions.

Dedicated to stamping out crime associated with the retail area – such as shoplifting, thefts, anti-social behaviour, muggings, thefts of phones and wallets from bars and cafes, and commercial burglaries – the team are funded by Angel BID, the police and Islington Council, and work closely with other police teams in the area.