AABC has developed the Safer Business Award (SBA) to ensure that they are nationally recognised and accepted standards for the management and operation of business crime reduction partnerships. To ensure those standards are maintained, partnerships are inspected by AABC before being accredited

The SBA demonstrates that partnerships operate legally, to high standards, and reflect the increasing professionalism of partnerships. This award confirms that Crossgates Shopping Centre has been recognised for the value of their hard work in keeping their customers safe.

Steven Seymour, manager of Crossgates Shopping Centre, said: "We are extremely pleased that our continued work and dedication has again been recogonised and we will continue to forge new partnerships and develop new and improved ways to address all aspects of retail crime."

Mike Schuck, chief executive of Action Against Business Crime, said: "As one of the first shopping centres to achieve the Safer Business Award, we are delighted that Crossgates has continued to develop their partnership and shown that the quality of their work has passed our scrutiny and that they can be re-accredited by us.

"As shopping centres are frequently major retail destinations, it is important to recognise that they are also attractive to the wrong type of customer and that taking positive steps to reduce crime is an essential part of providing a safe and welcoming environment for customers and staff."