Partner organisations working with Croydon’s Town Centre Taskforce can now better support each other to keep the area cleaner, safer and healthier for everyone.
Croydon Council has funded seven additional radios as part of Croydon Business Improvement District’s (BID) expanding Radio Link scheme.
The radios will give more frontline teams in the taskforce instant access to the town centre’s shared communications network, enabling them to better respond to live issues, support vulnerable groups and boost safety for businesses and the wider community.
Launched in April 2023, the Croydon BID Radio Link is a handheld radio system designed to connect local businesses, the Metropolitan Police, Croydon BID Street Rangers, and security teams in Croydon Town Centre.
The scheme was introduced to strengthen partnership working, improve response times to incidents, and provide real-time updates on crime, antisocial behaviour, and other public safety concerns.
The taskforce teams benefiting from the new radios include services for rough sleepers, the drugs and alcohol support services Change Grow Live and Croydon Reach, Anima Youth and P4YE working with young people, and Surrey Street Market council officers collaborating with traders.
The addition of seven radios brings the total number of active users in the town centre to 93, further strengthening the town’s coordinated approach to safety.
The Town Centre Taskforce is helping to deliver Executive Mayor Jason Perry’s business plan priorities to ensure everyone feels safe and supported in the borough. The Council works in partnership with residents, statutory, voluntary, community and faith sector organisations to tackle antisocial behaviour and prevent issues from recurring.
“This investment shows a shared commitment to partnership working, making the Town Centre safer and more responsive to the needs of the community. By enabling real-time intelligence sharing, the scheme plays a crucial role in tackling everyday challenges such as shoplifting, antisocial behaviour, and public safety concerns, whilst also offering support for vulnerable individuals.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
Matthew Sims, Chief Executive at Croydon BID, said: “The strength of the Croydon BID Radio Link scheme lies in its power to connect people, instantly and effectively. From our Street Rangers and Town Centre Police Team to Council teams and local businesses, this network is about real-time collaboration. We’re pleased to welcome Croydon Council into the scheme, with seven additional radios now in the hands of frontline teams. It’s a great example of joined-up working through the Town Centre Taskforce – practical partnership in action, making a real difference on the ground.”
Croydon businesses in the town centre can find out more and sign up to the Croydon BID Radio Link scheme on their website.
