A key element of Better Bankside's Safety Pledge is to help reduce crime in the BID as well as to help make the BID feel safer and to improve the personal safety of people living in, working in and visiting the area. We have committed ourselves to achieving a 10% reduction in crime year on year.

Acts of violence and crimes against persons are fortunately low in the BID but theft of personal possessions is high. The 3 highest reported crimes in the BID are:

1. Miscellaneous Theft. Theft of personal possessions such as mobile phones, laptops, handbags and wallets usually from licensed premises.
2. Theft of pedal cycles.
3. Theft from Motor Vehicle.

Better Bankside's efforts are focused through our Wardens service and our close working relationships with the Catherdrals Safer Neighbourhood Team and the Safer Southwark Partnership. Meetings with the partners take place every 6 weeks at our Safety Group forum which is attended by a number of businesses and at which actions to reduce crime are reviewed.

The Wardens are a constant presence on the streets, patrolling 6.5 days per week between 08:00-20:00. They are tasked to visit businesses, particularly those that are customer facing and sole traders, and will speak to 150 businesses each month to discuss safety matters.

Better Bankside working with the Police has been instrumental in setting up and running Pubwatch SE1. This voluntary organisation brings together 30 licensed premises in the SE1 area all of whom are committed to helping to reduce crime.

57% of people interviewed in the recent Ipsos Mori poll, who stated that they were aware of Better Bankside's Wardens service, also stated that they felt safer due to their presence on the streets. Personal safety is increased by the vigilance of the Wardens, ensuring that things such as public lighting is working, that obstructions to clear vision along streets are removed and that people are not left to beg, drink or sleep on the streets of the BID. The Wardens are also available to walk with people later at night to transport hubs.

In the run up to Christmas each year Better Bankside campaigns together with Pubwatch SE1, the Council's Licensing team and the Safer Southwark Partnership to promote safe and responsible drinking, with advice on looking after personal possessions, journey planning and the use of legitimate and recommended taxi services.