Raid-control Awards recognise contribution to robbery reduction
01 September 2005

Raid-control has presented its inaugural Annual Awards to four individuals who have made a significant contribution to robbery reduction.

Raid-control Award winners: Left to right – Digby Ram, Ian Seabridge, Rachel Fielding, Marie Brown, Alan Townsend and Michael Hodge.

Digby Ram, former Chairman of Raid-control and Managing Director of IBP International, received the ‘Award for Outstanding Achievement in promoting Raid-control’ for his vision in devising the original concept for the initiative.

Michael Hodge, Architectural Liaison Manager for Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and a founder member of Raid-control, has co-ordinated the initiative within his Force area since its launch in March 2003. For his commitment to making Raid-control a success, he was presented with the ‘Award for Outstanding Achievement in promoting Raid-control in the Greater Manchester Police area’.

Marie Brown and Rachel Fielding, Crime Reduction Advisers at Stockport Division, GMP, were both presented with the ‘Award for Outstanding Achievement in implementing Raid-control in Stockport Division’. Their considerable efforts in implementing Raid-control in 41 premises in Stockport have led to an 87% reduction in robbery within those premises.

Alan Townsend, Chairman of Raid-control and Crime Prevention Co-ordinator at the Metropolitan Police Flying Squad, comments: “Without these individuals Raid-control would not be the success it is. Their personal drive, enthusiasm and commitment has powered the initiative forwards and they thoroughly deserve these Awards.”

GMP Assistant Chief Constable Ian Seabridge, who attended the ceremony, said: “Winning these awards is a major achievement and it demonstrates the commitment of these members of staff in reducing retail robberies. Over the last two years we have implemented Raid-control in retail outlets across Greater Manchester and it is extremely satisfying to see the excellent results it has achieved so far, particularly in Stockport. The impact on the people involved in a robbery is of greatest concern to us, but being able to help tackle this crime through Raid-control is starting to make a real difference.”

The Awards were presented on 11 August at an event at Greater Manchester Police Headquarters.