SaBA week makes a successful return to Bristol for November 2025

The latest SaBA Week delivered a highly coordinated and effective programme of operational policing, safeguarding activity, and partnership working across the Bristol BID.

Led by Sgt. Sean Underwood from Avon and Somerset Police and Carmen Ceesay from Bristol BCRP, on behalf of Bristol BID, the initiative strengthened business resilience during a period of high visitor footfall. The week highlighted how joint enforcement, intelligence sharing, and visible patrols can significantly improve safety outcomes for both the public and the business community.

Operational enforcement highlights

4 arrests.
3 stop & searches conducted.
3 antisocial behaviour warnings/notices issued.
8 breaches of CPW/CPN/CBOs identified.
6 parking warnings issued following business reports.
1 high-risk suspect detained within minutes after a £100 theft.
Money recovered and returned through rapid coordination between the Police, BCRP Rangers, Cabot Circus Security, and Harvey Nichols Security.

Safeguarding Outcomes

Child Sexual Exploitation awareness training delivered to hospitality and accommodation staff by Avon & Somerset Police.
Staff trained to identify risk indicators and understand safeguarding responsibilities.
Clear guidance on reporting pathways, including anonymous reporting via Crimestoppers.
Strengthened early-intervention capability across frontline hospitality businesses.

City Centre Operations – Bristol Christmas Market

24/7 market security team equipped with Store Net radios and Disc access.
Joint patrols conducted with BCRP Rangers, Cabot Circus Security, The Galleries, Broadmead Beat Team and Bristol City Council’s Street Intervention Team.

Business Engagement – Day 2 Highlights

Extensive store visits across Broadmead and the newly expanded Cabot Circus BID area.
Intelligence shared on prolific offenders and emerging antisocial behaviour concerns.
Guidance delivered on Disc reporting, Store Net radios, and partnership resources.

Strategic Partnership and Technology

Attendance at Salisbury’s “Fight Back Against Retail Crime” event informed best-practice approaches; a similar event is planned for Bristol in 2026.
Disc intelligence platform and Store Net radios enabled real-time reporting and communication.
CCTV coordination improved evidence collection and multi-agency response (new QR code for CCTV evidence to be sent directly to police).

SaBA Week once again showcased the strength of Bristol’s multi-agency partnership model. Through combined enforcement activity, safeguarding training, proactive patrols, and robust business engagement, the initiative delivered measurable improvements in safety and confidence across the city centre.

Continued collaboration will be essential as Bristol enters the peak festive trading period and prepares for forthcoming partnership initiatives, ensuring a safer environment for our community.

Find out more about the work of the Bristol BCRP here.