BID Partners with Police Scotland to Launch Galashiels ShopWatch

BID for Galashiels is pleased to announce a new collaborative partnership with Police Scotland aimed at strengthening retail crime prevention measures across the town centre.

This partnership marks the first step in a series of initiatives that will be introduced over the coming months, all focused on supporting businesses, protecting staff, and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for shoppers.

A Proactive, Coordinated Approach

Representatives from BID for Galashiels and Police Scotland have agreed a proactive approach to retail safety. Both organisations recognise that prevention and communication are key - and that a coordinated response across the town centre will help ensure Galashiels remains a resilient and attractive place to shop and do business.

By working together, we can respond more quickly to concerns, share information effectively, and reinforce a visible commitment to community safety.

Introducing the Galashiels Shop Watch Scheme

A key early action in this partnership is the launch of the Galashiels Shop Watch Scheme.

ShopWatch is designed to enable retailers to share information quickly and efficiently.

The scheme will operate through a dedicated WhatsApp group, allowing businesses to:

• Pre-warn one another about emerging concerns

• Receive real-time updates on incidents

• Strengthen communication across the town centre

  
  

This immediate information-sharing network will help businesses feel supported and connected, while also improving collective awareness.

How to Join

All businesses in Galashiels are eligible to join the scheme. Retailers are encouraged to contact Mags Fenner at BID for Galashiels to ensure their details are added to the ShopWatch network.

Participating businesses will also receive a Shop Watch window emblem to display, demonstrating their membership and visible commitment to this coordinated approach to crime prevention.

For further information or to join, please contact Mags directly by email or phone.

Together, through partnership and communication, we can continue to make Galashiels a safe, supportive, and confident place to do business.